There has never been a female boundary umpire in AFL men’s history. Kaitlin Barr wants that to change.
The 26-year-old high school physical education teacher is one of seven female umpires promoted to rookie positions on the 2025 senior AFL umpire list, as part of the league’s female talent acceleration program.
Rookie umpires Kaitlin Barr (far left), Jordyn Pearson, Gabby Simmonds and Georgia Henderson.
Barr – who umpired this year’s AFLW grand final between North Melbourne and Brisbane – joins fellow Victorians Greta Miller and Melissa Sambrooks on the rookie boundary umpires list.
“That’s the dream,” Barr said. “I think any of us, Mel, Greta or I would love to be the first female boundary umpire and lead that pathway. To see more girls and women involved in AFL is amazing.”
Eleni Glouftsis (field) and Chelsea Roffey (goals) have blazed a trail but no women have yet umpired boundary at AFL …