NTFLUA Umpiring

Vale Jack Ellis.

The NTFLUA is saddened by the recent passing of Life-Member Jack Ellis, NTFLUA Heritage Number 17.

Jack was a highly respected umpire who began his umpiring career in 1972 and remained involved with the NTFLUA until retiring after the 2016/17 season.

Although records from before Cyclone Tracy in 1974 were unfortunately lost, Jack is recorded as having umpired a remarkable 363 NTFL games, including 339 as a field umpire (83 of those in the Men’s Premier League), 17 as a boundary umpire and seven as a goal umpire.

Jack was also an integral part of the NTFLUA off the field, serving as President during the 1975/76 and 1976/77 seasons and as Umpires Advisor in 1982/83. He was awarded NTFLUA Life Membership in 1977 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Association.

Beyond umpiring, Jack made a significant contribution to life in the Northern Territory through journalism and community publishing. He worked as chief-of-staff at the NT News and was involved with publications including The Litchfield Times and The Wagaiteer. His career in journalism began in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy, when he started reporting for the ABC.

Jack’s commitment to umpiring was remarkable. After initially retiring, he returned to the field in 2008 to umpire Masters games and went on to continue for another eight years. He was known not only for his dedication, but for the teamwork, camaraderie and community spirit he brought to umpiring.

This article, written in 2016 by former NTFLUA President, Ashley Manicaros, further elaborates on the incredible life Jack lived - https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/veteran-nt-footy-umpire-jack-ellis-to-cycle-around-new-zealand/news-story/ea7d653b493d747f15e5ce208d54dd80

Jack’s dedication to the NTFLUA and Northern Territory football spanned more than four decades, and his contribution to the Association and the wider football community will be long remembered.

The NTFLUA extends its deepest condolences to Jack’s partner, Chris, and to his family, friends and loved ones.

RIP Jack.

This weekend marks a proud moment for the NTFLUA as former NTFL junior umpire, and former NTFLUA member Sam Ferguson makes his AFL Field umpiring debut in the clash between Geelong and Essendon at GMHBA Stadium.

Sam began his umpiring journey with the NTFL and quickly established himself as one of the Territory's brightest young umpires.
His dedication and commitment were recognised early when he received the NTFLUA Most Improved Field Umpire Award in the 2011/12 season.

In 2012, Sam proudly represented the Northern Territory at the School Sport Australia Under 15 National Championships in Adelaide, further showcasing his talent on the national stage. Throughout his high school years, he was also a member of the NT Junior Umpiring Academy, widely regarded as the most successful umpiring development program to come out of the Northern Territory.
Sam made his NTFL Men’s Premier League debut in January 2013 as a young 17 year old.

Determined to pursue his AFL dream, Sam made the move to Victoria to further his umpiring career. His hard work, perseverance and dedication have now been rewarded with his appointment to the AFL rookie umpiring list this year, culminating in this weekend's well-deserved debut.

Everyone at the NTFLUA is incredibly proud of Sam and what he has achieved. Your journey is an inspiration to the next generation of Territory umpires, proving that with commitment and hard work, the pathway from the NT to the AFL is possible.

Congratulations, Sam, on this outstanding achievement. We wish you all the very best for your AFL debut and the exciting career that lies ahead. The entire NTFLUA family will be cheering you on!

Photo - picsbyrossm

With the announcement of pre-season training commencing - Tuesday 25 August - now is the time to get motivated by understanding that preparation prevents injury, builds peak fitness, and sets you up to dominate from day one

What is even better? Get paid for it!

Officialating the AFI 9s - Saturday 8 August- is that event. Whether it is for a couple of 1/2 hour games, half day or interested in finals, now is the time to contact Deano and get involved!
Go the link below regarding what to expect on the day.
https://www.aflinternational.com/darwin9s/umpires/

See you there!

Another NT export excelling in their endeavours! All the best today Mia Colquhoun, wishing you well!

💛💙 A VFLW debut in the Goals! 💛💙

The Tasmanian Football Umpires Association is proud to congratulate Mia Colquhoun, who will make her Victorian Football League (VFL) Women's debut at North Hobart Oval on Saturday.

Mia joined the TFUA in 2025 after moving from the Northern Territory (NTFLUA Umpiring) to Tasmania. She quickly became a senior member of the TFUA goal umpire group, umpiring 58 games in her first season.

Her first season highlights include the 2025 SFL Women’s Premier League Grand Final, the 2025 Tasmanian Community League Representative Women's game, and debuting in the SFL Premier League Senior Men's competition.

Mia also represented the TFUA in the 2026 Tasmanian Premier League Representative Women's game.

We're excited to see Mia step onto the VFLW stage. This achievement is a testament to years of hard work and dedication.

We hope Mia has a fantastic day at North Hobart Oval! 💛💙

Mark your calendars!

Reminder🚨AGM Today!

All Life Members, Member and Umpires are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Northern Territory Football League Umpires Association (NTFLUA).

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Venue: Territory Room, Palmerston Golf Club

The AGM provides an opportunity to review the Association's activities, discuss important matters, and participate in the election of committee members.

Nibbles will be provided, and a cash bar will be available.

We encourage all Life Members, Members and Umpires to attend and contribute to the future direction of the Northern Territory Football League Umpires Association.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Congratulations to Isabelle Rawsthorne who debuts in SANFL League today!

You can watch today’s game between Port Adelaide and South Adelaide live on SANFL Now - https://www.sanflnow.com.au or on the AFL app from 2:10pm.

From everyone at the NTFLUA we congratulate Izzy and the entire Rawsthorne family on her SANFL League debut and acknowledge the years of dedication to get to this incredible achievement. Go well Izzy!

Dear Life Members, Members and Umpires,

You are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Northern Territory Football League Umpires Association (NTFLUA).

Date: Sunday, 5 July 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Venue: Territory Room, Palmerston Golf Club

The AGM provides an opportunity to review the Association's activities, discuss important matters, and participate in the election of committee members.

Nibbles will be provided, and a cash bar will be available.

We encourage all Life Members, Members and Umpires to attend and contribute to the future direction of the Northern Territory Football League Umpires Association.

We look forward to seeing you there.

AFI 9's is back in 2026!

Join in the fun of the next Olympic sport (yes, this could happen at Brisbane 2032!).

Teams at this years carnival include Larrakia, Tiwi, Greece, New Zealand, Ireland, US Marines, Wadjigan, India and Darwin Buffs. Read more about AFI 9's here - https://www.aflinternational.com/darwin9s/

To register your interest in umpiring during the upcoming Darwin carnival on Saturday 8 August, please send your EOI to Dean O'Donoghue as soon as possible - [email protected]

Australian Football International