Two stalwarts of the AFL North Coast, Brett Upfield and Neil Wood were farewelled at a private function this week.

Upfield was a prime mover behind the development of the Junior competition which grew to over a hundred participants within four years.

The competition since then has gone from strength to strength, expanding to seven teams spanning from the Lower Clarence to the Nambucca Valley.

Over the last decade, Upfield has been an invaluable servant to the umpiring fraternity, passing on his experience gaining from umpiring at the top level in Victoria.

The AFL North Coast Umpiring Association’s inaugural Life Member, Jim Woodlock was full of praise for Upfield’s contribution to the game.

“Umpires are the life blood of the game and losing a person with his passion will leave a gap in our game at a local level,” he said.

Wood, a premiership player with the North Coffs Kangaroos, crossed to umpiring and set the example according to current President and Umpires’ Coach, Rod Macpherson.

“Neil was an impeccable trainer and a quiet achiever of the group,” he said.

“The two have dedicated a number of years to umpiring and added to the camaraderie that makes it so enjoyable to be involved.”

Both Wood and Upfield have accepted job offers from outside the area and were on the same page, appreciating the friendship and memories gaining from umpiring at the local level.

Anyone interested in umpiring are encouraged to contact Rod Macpherson on 0435 906 206.