17 September 2026
Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience 2026: what an incredible year!
The opportunity to be part of the AFL umpires’ team on a game day at Marvel Stadium has resulted in nothing but fun, excitement and pure joy for everyone involved.
This year, 20 lucky participants got to have their own unforgettable match day experience. This would not be possible without the amazing support of the AFL Umpires Association, AFL and participating clubs, with 15 of the teams being involved this year. Chaperones partner with each participant, and provide guidance and support, and their involvement is integral to the success of the program.
This initiative aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for participants to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role with the AFL umpires on match days.
Applications for the 2027 season will be available later this year.
We’re thrilled to share participant Alex’s reflections below on his experience as part of the 2026 Fiona McBurney Match Day program.
A reflection by Alex
Fiona McBurney was a woman with Down syndrome. She had a brother named Stephen McBurney. Stephen was an AFL umpire. Stephen used to take Fiona to football games. Fiona loved football.
Stephen had an idea. He wanted to bring people with Down syndrome to AFL games so they could enjoy it like Fiona did.
Once a week, a person with Down syndrome goes to an AFL game at Marvel Stadium. They are an official guest AFL umpire for the day.
Fiona died in 2009. Stephen and his family, the AFL and DSV have continued the program. It is called the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience.
On Saturday 2 May I got to be that person. I received a match day uniform.
I was so excited. I walked out with the umpires and carried the match ball. I helped them warm up and prepare for the game.
It felt good to be in the centre square watching the stadium fill up with people.
I helped the umpire who was doing the bounce warm up. I helped the umpire set up the coin toss.
Brisbane won the toss, and the game, but I don’t want to talk about that!
I shook hands of the captain of the Bombers Andrew McGrath and the Lions’ co-captain Josh Dunkley.
During the game, I sat at the official’s bench between the Bombers and Lions. My family sat in the crowd near me. Some of my schoolteachers came to the game to see me. I was so happy to see them.
Don Casey and Leigh Keen were my chaperones for the day. They showed me around, introduced me to people and kept my family company too.
I went to the Bombers’ and Brisbane Lions’ change rooms at half time.
At the end of the match, we went back to the umpire’s rooms, and I was presented with a certificate and a special umpire top signed by the umpires. My name is listed in the Footy Record in the umpires’ section.
The umpires were all so friendly and kind to me. The looked after me and made sure I had a great day.
I loved this day. It was the best time ever. Go AFL umpires (and go Bombers)!
To find out more
If you would like to find out more about the program, visit the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience website.
And if you would like to be kept in the loop about applying for the 2027 program, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, DNews, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.