It was 14 years in the making.

Maclure took up goal umpiring as a 13-year-old and gradually worked his way through the ranks.

He won a spot on the AFL panel late last year with Sunday’s clash at Lavington Oval being his third JLT Community Series match.

“It was great,” Maclure, 27, said.

“There was a good atmosphere and it actually seemed like there were more than 7000 people at the game.

“It was really good. 

“Getting back in front of family and friends was fantastic.”

Maclure, who trains twice a week in Melbourne, had to pass a 3km time trial during pre-season and has skin fold tests once a month.

The panel also gets put through regular beep tests.

“Once you get to this level it’s pretty full on,” he said.

“I’m loving it.

“It’s a tight-knit group in a friendly environment.”

Maclure officiated in the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne showdown in week one of the JLT Community Series before travelling to Mount Gambier for the Port Adelaide and Richmond clash.

He also took charge of the VFL grand final between Casey and Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium last season.

While on the VFL umpires panel, Maclure racked up 95 senior VFL, 34 VFL development and 25 TAC Cup matches.

Injury forced him to have the 2013 and 2014 seasons off.

“Sunday night was up there (as the highlight),” he said.

“To make AFL level and doing it in front of your home crowd was great.

“The VFL grand final is probably ahead of it slightly because of it being a grand final in front of 17,000 people.”

AFL NEB umpire manager Mark Bywater said Maclure’s success showed country umpires can make it to the highest level.

“It is fantastic to have Matt back in Albury this weekend and shows that anyone who works hard can make it to the top,” Bywater said.

“Matt has had a couple of set backs in the past few years but the dedication and work he has put over the last couple of years is a credit to him and we wish him all the best in 2017.

“The AFLNEB umpiring panel are always looking for new umpires and Matt’s story shows that umpires from the country can make it to the AFL level.”

Maclure umpired the senior Ovens and Murray grand final in 2005, 2006 and 2007 at Lavington Oval.

His father, Norm, is also a long-time goal umpire.

Anyone interested in umpiring can get more information from www.aflneb.com.au