James Matthews, who was promoted to the top panel of umpires in the country last year, will take charge with national B badged umpire Jamie Maher.

Maher has family ties in Henty.

Henty president Teneal Jones said it was a huge coup for the club and league.

“It’s quite a privilege,” Jones said.

“When the opportunity was given to us, we jumped at it.

“They have volunteered to do A and B grade for us against Holbrook and hopefully a lot of our younger umpires will be in awe of them.

“I’m sure the girls will too so I don’t think there will be any back-chatting or late contact.”

Matthews started playing netball as a 14-year-old and quickly progressed through the ranks to train at the AIS and play against the Diamonds in practice matches.

He then took up umpiring at 21 and quickly found himself in Netball Australia’s high performance umpire pathway.

Matthews received his AA badge after the 20 and under international tournament in Canberra last year.

He then joined the Suncorp Super Netball panel.

“It’s exciting news,” Jones said.

“We haven’t had a AA badged umpire here before so it’s everyone is really looking forward to the occasion.”

The A and B grade matches start at 12.45pm and 2.15pm.

Brock-Burrum is the frontrunner for A grade premiership honours after winning their opening 15 matches of the season.

The Saints will have added motivation after losing last year’s grand final to CDHBU.

Rand-Walbundrie-Walla and Jindera are fighting for the double chance.

The Giants hold a two-point buffer over their opponents and take on Lockhart, CDHBU and Murray Magpies in the run home.

Jindera must defeat Magpies on Saturday and then account for Brock-Burrum and Osborne.

Billabong Crows, Howlong and CDHBU make up the top six with Murray Magpies and Holbrook also in the mix for finals action.