Umpire Ebert is focused on bouncedown

Harvey umpire Daniel Ebert is counting down the days until he can stand in the centre square — with his whistle in-hand — for the first football game of 2020.

The 24-year-old said his passion was in watching and umpiring the Aussie game and he was looking forward to pulling up his fluorescent yellow socks post COVID-19.

“I am very excited to get back out there,” he said.

“There are some talented players in the South West Football League and it’s a privilege to be an umpire.”

Ebert became umpire of the colts and women’s league last year, after serving as the Harvey Bulls league team manager.

“I love field umpiring because you get a great view of the game.

“I also umpire alongside my brother Brendan in the goals.”

The Harvey man said he copped a bit of flack from time to time.

“Every now and then people throw some banter at the umps, but I try to ignore it,” he said.

Ebert is training hard and hopes to umpire his first league game in the near future.