Warrnambool and District football umpires Liam Wiese and Darren Wilkinson speak ahead of their first time officiating a Hampden league senior football grand final.
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00:00 I'm joined by Warrnambool umpires Liam and Darren. Liam will be running boundary for the Hampton Grand Final this weekend, the Senior Grand Final.
00:08 Darren will be on the goals. Guys, you looking forward to it?
00:12 Yep.
00:13 And it's probably your first one, is that right?
00:15 Yeah, first Hampton. We've both done the District League Grand Final last year. It's the first time in the Hampton.
00:20 I'll start with you Darren, what does it mean to get this opportunity?
00:23 That's the pinnacle for the local footy. It's the pinnacle so I suppose yeah, that's what you aim for.
00:30 And how long have you been doing it for?
00:34 I started in 2017, it was my first year. I've done around 150 games.
00:41 And Liam, what does it mean to you to get this opportunity?
00:45 It's just very exciting. Starting not too long ago and now getting the chance to do it. It's just really exciting to do it.
00:52 And what do you love about umpiring?
00:54 Just meeting friends and staying fit. Having a good time.
00:57 And what about you Darren, what do you love about it?
00:59 The camaraderie. I played footy back in my youth and it's just that camaraderie that you get that feels like a footy club.
01:07 And it seems to be a pretty good group you have here.
01:09 Yep.
01:10 And are you looking forward to the weekend? It should be a good contest.
01:14 Yeah, looking forward to the better weather that we've had today and maybe tomorrow.
01:18 But yeah, no it should be good. Nice fast game of footy is what we like as goalies anyway.
01:23 Is that about the running umpires?
01:25 Nah, sounds good. Thanks a lot guys.
01:28 Thank you.
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