JORDYN Pearson will this weekend become the third female field umpire to officiate a VFL game.

Pearson (pictured left) has been appointed to umpire Sunday’s Smithy’s VFL match between Essendon and Box Hill Hawks at Windy Hill, which will be broadcast live on the Seven Network.

Speaking ahead of her debut, Pearson said she was proud to join Annie Mirabile and Eleni Glouftsis as the only female field umpires to have been appointed to a VFL match.

“It’s always a good feeling to be following in the footsteps of Annie and Eleni,” Pearson said.

“I was always hoping I would get a senior VFL game, but it was a bit unexpected to happen this early in the season.

“I’m obviously excited, although it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

VFL Umpire Operations Lead Luke O'Brien said Pearson thoroughly deserved the appointment to her first VFL match.

"Jordyn's commitment and application towards umpiring on and off the field is first class," O'Brien said.

"We are all so proud of Jordyn reaching this achievement. Not only is she a talented umpire, but she is a wonderful person and we could not be happier for her.

"We hope this is just another stepping stone to seeing Jordyn umpire in the AFL men's competition."

Being appointed to her first VFL game is another significant achievement in what has already been a memorable 2022 for Pearson.

Just last month she became the second female field umpire to officiate an AFLW grand final when she presided over the premiership-decider between Adelaide and Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval.

Pearson said the experience of umpiring the biggest game in women’s football would hold her in great stead for her VFL debut. 

“The AFLW grand final was absolutely unreal experience,” she said.

“Everyone at the AFL has been so supportive of my umpiring journey.

“I’ve had a lot of help this season, particularly from Michael Pell who has made the AFL umpiring list this year.

“I aspire to model myself on the AFL umpires in the way they prepare for each game and perform at the top level.”

Pearson’s umpiring journey began as a 13-year-old in the Essendon District Football League.

She showed great promise from a young age and quickly worked her way through the ranks to officiate in the EDFL’s Premier Division.

Pearson then took a leap of faith to trial for the VFL umpiring list and hasn’t looked back.

“I was lucky enough to trial at the VFL and got onto the list four years ago,” Pearson said.

“In my second year of umpiring I was invited to join the female academy which Neville Nash used to run. Mat Nicholls used to coach that and I was given a few opportunities within AFLW, which was awesome.

“I was then in the rookie squad before progressing to the VFL.”

Pearson’s VFL debut comes on the same weekend the football community celebrates Community Umpiring Week.

She strongly encouraged anybody interested in football umpiring to register with their local league.

“It’s an awesome way to be involved in the game,” Pearson said.

“For youngsters it’s a great way to earn an income and you just never know where it can end up taking you.”