AFL Umpiring Manager Jeff Gieschen said the league had been trialling a number of rookie umpires through the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge matches and Sully had been the standout among the group.
"The AFL Umpiring Department is delighted to confirm that Damien Sully will join the senior list for the 2006 season, after passing all fitness tests and performing well through the pre-season," Gieschen said.
"Damien has umpired more than 100 games at VFL level in his seven years on the VFL umpiring list, including two VFL Grand Finals, and will now step up after being an AFL Rookie List umpire in 2005," he said.
Gieschen said the AFL had also appointed four rookie umpires for the season ahead - West Australian pair Luke Farmer and Greg Bandy, South Australian Gary Fila and Victorian Jason Armstrong.
"All four successful rookie umpires officiated in their respective State League Grand Final last season and will train with the AFL umpiring list to continue their development," Gieschen said.
Umpires Farmer, Bandy, Fila and Armstrong can be upgraded to the full senior AFL list in case of any serious injuries or retirements during the course of the year.
