News

From Herald Sun
Reported by Glenn McFarlane
Full Story
Click Here

CARLTON'S VFL captain Andre Gianfagna has become the latest footballer to turn to umpiring.

Gianfagna, 26, has told the Northern Blues he intends to become an umpire and will immediately join the AFL's pathway program.

After the recent retirement of former Blue and Bomber turned AFL umpire Jordan Bannister, the AFL has been to keen to foster more footballers in switching to umpiring post their playing careers.

Gianfagna will start the patient process of learning to officiate the game, with the long-term ambition of umpiring in the AFL.

Gianfagna played 18 games for the Northern Blues this year, having won the 'Laurie Hill Trophy' for the player who best embodied the team spirit.

The half-back/wingman was described by Northern Blues coach Luke Webster last month as "a magnificent leader."

"He holds the respect of all the boys on the list and just goes about his football the right way," Webster said.

The Blues had wanted Gianfagna to lead the team for another season, but the opportunity within the AFL umpiring pathway was too good to refuse.