Double Goal Achieved By Super Sally

Leading local goal umpire Sally Boud is about to complete her second football milestone in as many weeks.

Boud will officiate in Friday’s blockbuster battle between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium, her 100th AFL match.

“Reaching 100 AFL games makes me feel deeply grateful on so many levels,” Boud said.

“I’m extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to umpire at AFL level, let alone reach the 100-game milestone.

“I appreciate the AFL’s belief and trust in me to serve the game over this period.

“More than anything, I’m grateful for the incredible support network of coaches, colleagues, family, and friends who have been with me every step of the way.”

Boud reaches a century at AFL level just a week after celebrating 200 matches in the WAFL last weekend.

“With the rotation dynamic we have in Perth for the four WA-listed Goal Umpires, I had the option to have both my 100th AFL and 200th WAFL game fall on the Fremantle vs Brisbane match,” she said.

“While that would have been special, I chose to celebrate my 200th in the WAFL, where it all began, so I could share the moment more closely with my family and friends. I often think of Eliud Kipchoge’s quote: “Your focus belongs to your next challenge, not your latest achievement.”

“As much as I’ll always cherish my 200th game last Saturday, my focus is now on servicing this Friday night’s AFL match and any that follow.”

Boud, a highly respected figure in WA football, took up officiating as a teenager.

“I started umpiring in Year 10 as a part-time job.,” Boud said.

“My maths teacher, who was a boundary umpire in community football, recruited high school students to boundary umpire at the weekend.

“My best friend, Lauren, and I weren’t too keen on the running, so we opted for goal umpiring instead.

“I dabbled in all three disciplines, but I felt goal umpiring gave me the best chance to progress to WAFL and potentially AFL.

“Umpiring sometimes feels like chasing the “holy grail” because only two goal umpires from a list of 27 walk onto the MCG on Grand Final day.

“Missing out each season only makes me hungrier to see how close I can get next year.

“I plan to keep umpiring for as long as I have a strong ‘why’, and for as long as it serves both me and my family.”

The commitment of umpiring and being a mother adds another layer to the working week for Sally.

“The struggle is real at times, balancing match day, training commitments, full-time work, a young son, and a blended family is no small feat,” she said.

“But I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by supportive family, friends, coaches, and employers who always have my best interests at heart and make sure that I am ready to go on game day.”