Essendon vs Hawthorn

Emma Stark, 16, has become a trailblazer as she officiates at the Essendon v Hawthorn AFLW game at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

What she likes about umpiring is the social side and the learning experiences that come with it. Two years later she became the youngest female field umpire to officiate a 2021 men’s premier league match at 15. Women also make up 46 per cent of this season’s goal umpire list. “I’m just really excited to umpire with John Howorth in my AFLW game ... It’s just great,” Karen said. “I just wanted to get more involved with the game and see another side of it.”