The umpires for the 2025 Coates Talent League Grand Finals have been announced.
COATES TALENT LEAGUE GIRLS GRAND FINAL
FIELD
Jai Smith – Since joining SLTP in 2023, Jai has been an important part of the program. When you talk about commitment, it’s hard to fault Jai and what he does every week to officiate at this level. Jai spends 15 hours every week driving to and from training and matches which shows his level of dedication to his craft. This appointment is a reward to the work he has done off the field to ensure he gives himself the best chance to perform on game day.
Hayden Whitehouse – In his second year in the State League & Talent Pathways Program, Hayden has continued to improve his decision-making and his physical preparation. The consistency that he has shown off the field and his willingness to learn from every moment has shown his potential to further his umpiring.
Jeremy Zhou – Having overcome an injury late in the season, Jeremy’s appointment to this year’s grand final is a reminder of what can be achieved when you have consistent habits and set high standards to maximise your potential. Whilst Jeremy maybe one of the quieter people on our list, you can never fault his desire to get the most out of himself.
Emergency: Kaileb Monro
BOUNDARY
Jack Stelfox - In his first year as a boundary umpire on the SLTP program, Jack has impressed with his dedication and eagerness to learn. A hard worker with clear potential, Jack’s rapid development has earned him a GF berth in just his first season with us.Josh Rofe - Josh’s SLTP journey began in unique fashion, stepping into a senior VFL practice match in Ballarat. Rising to the occasion with a solid performance, he’s continued to build on that momentum and has had a solid season in the development leagues. Josh is the younger brother of senior VFL umpire Ben and is carving out his own path with confidence.
Daniel Molino - With 55 Development games under his belt, Daniel has become a reliable and consistent performer at SLTP level. After being challenged to improve his throw-ins, he responded with determination and now performs at a solid level in that area. A strong runner with an excellent work ethic, Daniel also gives back by coaching local umpires at AFL Outer East.
Ryan Brown - On the SLTP list since 2022, Ryan has shown flashes of talent but has had to overcome a series of injuries along the way. His selection for the Grand Final is a testament to his persistence and resilience, and marks a promising turning point in his umpiring journey, which we hope he can build on in the years to come.
GOAL
Brady Gutbier - Brady began goal umpiring with the Essendon District Football League in 2014, officiating the 2019 Division 1 (B Grade) Senior Grand Final. Since joining the State League and Talent Pathway in 2021, he has umpired 106 games across Boys, Girls, and VFLW competitions, highlighted by his appointment to the 2024 National Championships match at Marvel Stadium between VIC Metro and VIC Country. In 2025, Brady’s strong performances have earned him selection to umpire the U18 Girls Coates Talent League Grand Final.
Damon Kelly - Damon joined the State League list in 2022 after beginning his umpiring journey in the Southern Football Netball League. In 2024, he was appointed to the Coates Girls Finals Series, showcasing his development and consistency at Talent level. His continued progress has now been rewarded with selection to umpire his first Grand Final.
Emergency: Charlie Lodge
COATES TALENT LEAGUE BOYS GRAND FINAL
FIELD
Jonathan Clark - Since joining the State League & Talent Pathways Program in 2022, Jonathan has officiated in 54 games and made his VFL senior debut earlier in the season. Jonathan has been a leader for the Development Squad umpires and continually sets the standard with his preparation, training, and match day performance. His appointment to this year’s Coates Boys Grand Final is a fantastic reward and shows clear potential to take his umpiring to the next level.
Campbell Hymans - Campbell has had his most consistent year since joining the State League & Talent Pathways Program in 2022. He continually challenges himself and sets a high standards which become consistent habits. Campbell was rewarded earlier in the season with his VFL senior debut and officiated a further three VFL matches throughout the season. Campbell has the potential to take his umpiring further and the Coates Boy’s Grand Final is the next step in his umpiring journey
Chris Menara - Joining the State League Program in 2022, Chris has officiated in 60 games and also made his senior VFL debut in 2025. Consistency in his training and preparation has ensured that Chris performs at a high level, setting a standard for the Development Squad. His appointment to this Grand Final reflects a season of hard work and dedication.
Emergency: Cooper Marriott
BOUNDARY
Bailey Wilson - In his debut year in the SLTP, Bailey has quickly made a name for himself with elite training standards and consistent in-game performance. His rapid development was highlighted by officiating five VFL games in his first season—an impressive feat for a first-year umpire. Bailey had only umpired 16 Development games prior to his VFL Debut. Bailey shows elite capabilities and is an umpire to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Cooper Geall - Since joining in 2022, Cooper has steadily progressed through the ranks. After a strong preseason, and subsequently gaining experience in pre-season VFL matches this year, he made his official VFL debut in Round 20 at Arden Street, where he delivered a standout performance. Cooper umpired last season’s Coates League Girls grand final and so is a proven performer and showing improvement year on year.
Benjamin Merrick - Starting in 2021, Ben has become a respected leader off the field, known for organizing social events and building team camaraderie. On the track, Ben is one of the hardest workers in the group. His hard work paid off this season with a VFL debut in Round 14 at Coburg, going on to umpire four VFL games in total, in which he performed to a high standard. After officiating 78 Development games in the SLTP, it’s great to see reward for all his hard work.
Ryan Pulley - Ryan has shown remarkable improvement this year, building on his experience from umpiring the 2023 Coates Girls Grand Final. His growth and dedication have earned him a well-deserved spot in this year’s Boys Grand Final. Ryan has umpired 74 development games to this point and it is great to see his persistance pay off after a fantastic back end to the 2025 season.
GOAL
Phillip Pettinella - Phil began his State League career in 2020 after progressing through the Northern Football Netball League and has since officiated in multiple Coates Talent League finals series, including the Girls Grand Finals in 2023 and 2024. His national experience includes appointments to the 2023 AFL U16 Boys and the 2025 AFL U18 Girls National Championships, reflecting his strong progression at the elite level. Recognised with the Development Goal Umpire Rising Star Award in 2024, Phil’s continued growth has now earned him selection to umpire the 2025 U18 Boys Coates Talent League Grand Final.
Jack Kennedy - Jack is in his third-year umpiring at State League level after progressing from the Yarra Ranges, quickly establishing himself with a series of strong performances. He umpired the 2024 VFLW Grand Final, officiated at the 2025 National Championships on the Gold Coast, and made his VFL Senior debut this season. His excellent form has now earned him selection to umpire the 2025 U18 Boys Coates Talent League Grand Final.
Emergency: Benjamin Geleit