Hayden will take charge of Albury’s clash with Wangaratta Rovers at Albury Sportsground after impressing AFL North East Border umpiring officials this season.

“Even though I hoped to push for a game by the end of the year, I wasn’t expecting it this early,” the Year 10 Galen Catholic College student said.

“I’m a little bit nervous but I’m trying to keep that to a minimum and just enjoy myself.

“I’m looking forward to it heaps.”

AFL umpire Jacob Mollison was 16 when he debuted in the Ovens and Murray.

Several long-time umpires were unable to remember a younger first-gamer when contacted by The Border Mail on Wednesday.

AFL NEB umpiring development manager Mark Bywater said Hayden had progressed nicely through the ranks.

“Hayden’s development over the past 12 to 18 months has been fantastic in terms of his confidence,” Bywater said.

“He’s coming along really well and we thought we would give him an opportunity.”

Hayden took up boundary umpiring in 2016 to earn pocket money and keep fit before switching to field umpiring in the Albury-Wodonga Junior Football league last year.

He officiated in 14 AWJFL matches, including the under-16 grand final.

Hayden has umpired two senior Ovens and King matches this season including last weekend’s clash between Tarrawingee and Goorambat.

“A mate of mine Nathan Handley got me into umpiring and the support has been fantastic,” Hayden said.

“John Bastin was my mentor last year and did a great job and then Shane Downie and Warwick Bott started to help me this season.”

Hayden turns 16 next month.