Warrnambool-based Gome, 17, is named as a central umpire for Camperdown and South Warrnambool's round one under 18.5 clash on Saturday.

The year 12 student, who wants to study either science or medicine at university next year, said he expected it to be a high-quality grade with NAB League-listed and regular senior players to feature.

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"It'll be nice umpiring against people from school and I did a lot of 18s games last year while working my way up to seniors (as a field umpire)," Gome said.

"I think the quality of footy is pretty good, only the Hampden seniors are probably better than it in the region, especially with a lot of the Rebels players or the better players who would normally play seniors, they will all be playing in the 18s.

"Hopefully it's a strong competition and a good bit of fun for the year."

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Gome started as a boundary umpire with Warrnambool and District Football Umpires Association in 2015 before graduating to field ranks last season.

He wants to use his experience to help Hawks, who will play on Wednesday nights this year and will use club umpires.

"I played footy for the Hawks a couple of times because my siblings play there," Gome said.

"I am not that good at football so I prefer umpiring. Because I have the affiliation with the Hawks, I am actually helping out when I can with the under 14s there."

Gome is enjoying his foray into central umpiring.

He did Warrnambool and District league senior matches in 2019 and hoped to earn a Hampden league senior game before the season was cancelled without a ball being bounced.

"It will be interesting having a year without the senior football because it's such a big part of the community but I am also just looking forward to umpiring," Gome said.

"I don't really mind what age group it is, just getting out there and having a run around will be good."

Gome plans to move away for university next year but is "looking to continue umpiring wherever I go because it's a good way to earn some money and I enjoy it as well".

"If I am down here over the holidays I might do a game or two (for my home association)," he said.

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