The South Hobart Football Club starting XI won't be the only Tasmanian presence taking to the pitch in tomorrow night's FFA Cup Round of 32 clash, with Tony Peart, Thomas Mace and Brenton Kopra selected as match officials for the occasion.
Peart and Mace will run the line as Assistant Referee's, whilst Kopra will be the fourth official, in what will be the most Tasmanian match officials ever used in an FFA Cup game.
Peart said it was a sign of the strides made in refereeing in the State and that the appointments were made with an eye to future A-League opportunities.
"These appointments show Tasmania's growing reputation in refereeing and reflect the raising standards we are looking to drive."
"Both Thomas and Brenton have worked hard and shown great commitment this season. It's a testament to their efforts and on field performances that they've been given this opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage. Strong performances here will certainly count towards future A-League opportunities."
At 20 years of age, Thomas Mace is one of the youngest officials officiating on any of the FFA Cup games and he has progressed through ranks quickly, cementing himself on NPL A-Panel. It wont be his first major event for 2019, having officiated at the National Youth Championships and taken charge of the Under 20's Statewide Cup Final.
Brenton Kopra has been regarded as one of the states leading match officials for a number of years now and has previously served on National Youth League panel, has over 150 NPL games experience and is a multiple time winner of the NPL TAS referee of the year. There is no doubt he will be more than capable of stepping in should anything happen to Jonathan
Peart is the head of referee development for Football Tasmania and has served as an Assistant Referee in the English Championship and A-League. He has been selected on the panel for A-League games in the upcoming 2019/2020 season.
It will be Jonathan Barreiro who will take charge of the match in the middle. An experienced official with a stellar reputation, he is also on the A-League panel along with Peart.
Peart said he hoped that young referees in attendance would learn from watching Barrerio.
"We are very fortunate to have a referee of his caliber taking charge of this game and giving all Tasmanian match officials an opportunity to watch him live at the ground, gaining insights into match management you don't necessarily get on TV."
Peart also added that there was an up coming referees course for anyone who wanted to take up the whistle, and pointed to these appointments as to the opportunities that could potentially present themselves.
"We'd love to have to as many new referees coming on board as possible. It's a great team to be a part of, a really supportive group and there are certainly plenty of exciting opportunities for those who really want to pursue it as Thomas and Brenton demonstrate."
Introductory Level 4 Referee Course
Hobart
Location KGV
Attendees will need to attend all four sessions to be qualified to officiate games.
Sunday 11th August, 9:00am–5:00pm
Monday 12th August 6:00pm-9:00pm
Monday 19th: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Monday 26th: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Sign up at: http://education-ffa.sportingpulse.com/Entry/?EID=20744