After being an emergency for the opening six rounds of the AFL season, Maclure has been called up to make his debut.

“It’s pretty exciting,” the 27-year-old said.

“Our coach Steve Sterling announced it to the group at training which was a big thing for me.”

Maclure, who is one of 26 on the AFL goal umpires panel with 13 based in Melbourne, admitted he couldn’t have asked for a better venue.

“It’s the home of footy and every little kid wants to be on the MCG,” he said.

“It’s great.

“I couldn’t have asked for more.

“I’m sure there will be a few nerves on the day of the game.

“Like most umpires, once you get the first decision out of the way the nerves seem to settle and you get into the rhythm of the game.”

Maclure has also been locked in for the round eight clash between Richmond and Fremantle at the MCG.

He is in regular contact with former Border umpire, Jacob Mollison.

“I see a bit of Jacob at training,” he said.

“We train with different groups but we see a bit of each other.”

Maclure took up goal umpiring as a 13-year-old and won a spot on the AFL panel late last year.

He took charge of three JLT Community Series matches during the pre-season.

AFL NEB umpire manager Mark Bywater said Maclure had worked hard to make the grade after officiating in Ovens and Murray grand finals in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

“It’s fantastic news for someone from the North East to reach this level,” Bywater said.

“I’m sure he’s over the moon to be able to walk out for the Hawthorn and Melbourne game on the MCG.

“It’s difficult to make it this far as the physical side of training is quite intense these days.”

Maclure moved to Melbourne in 2008 to chase his dream and goal umpired last season’s VFL grand final between Casey and Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.