Coaching & Leadership

Justin Lillecrapp – NTFL Umpire Head Coach & Senior Field Coach

Justin brings over a decade of experience in AFL umpiring and coaching, having officiated 130 QAFL Senior matches and most recently umpired the 2024 QWAFL Grand Final. After an ACL injury, Justin stepped into coaching with the Sunshine Coast Junior Umpiring Group, later becoming Assistant Coach at the AFL Queensland Umpiring Academy. Across five years in this role, he played a key part in shaping young umpires at state league level while continuing to umpire at the state's highest levels. With a sharp focus on leadership, consistency, and developing high-performing umpiring teams, Justin sets the tone for our coaching program. His background in coaching, attention to detail from his work in the financial sector, and long-standing experience as his cricket club's captain, reflect the calm leadership and discipline he brings to our team.

Justin will lead the NTFL coaching program across all umpiring disciplines and oversees the development of senior field umpires. 

Harry Heller – NTFL Junior Field Coach

Harry’s umpiring journey began as a 13-year-old in Melbourne, chasing a bit of fitness and pocket money. Since then, he’s turned his passion into purpose, progressing to umpiring senior football in the Northern Football League and coaching junior and developing umpires in Victoria and Queensland. With a strong foundation in pathway programs and a passion for mentoring, Harry brings energy, empathy, and professionalism to junior development. Currently studying Sport and Exercise Science, Harry is committed to using evidence-based practice and personal connection to help young umpires unlock their potential and grow in confidence. He joins the AFLNT team excited to build strong relationships and a positive learning environment.

Harry leads the coaching and development of junior field umpires within the NTFL Umpire Development Pathway. 

Sam Cunningham – NTFL Assistant Field Coach (Community)

Sam brings a wealth of experience in Territory football and a genuine passion for umpire development. With a career that spans junior, community, and high-performance levels, he has worked across all stages of the umpiring pathway and understands what it takes to build confident, capable officials. On the field, Sam has umpired five Tiwi Grand Finals, five Port Keats Grand Finals, and four Women’s Premier League Grand Finals; a testament to his consistency, resilience, and leadership under pressure. Off the field, he’s known for his ability to connect with people and bring out their best, helping umpires develop both skills and belief. Sam’s focus this season will be on preparing our senior community umpires, and umpires transitioning from junior to senior NTFL football. He will work closely with Justin; supporting the delivery of safe and inclusive coaching program.

Sam leads the development of NTFL senior community umpires and supports the broader coaching team across operational and training delivery. 

Leigh Forbes – NTFL Strength & Conditioning Coach

Leigh returns for his third season as S&C Coach for the AFLNT umpiring program, bringing over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry and a strong track record across amateur, academy, and professional sport—including roles with AFL clubs and Melbourne Victory’s development programs. Leigh’s coaching is grounded in the belief that an athlete’s best ability is availability! He focuses on reducing injury risk while improving performance through smart, targeted preparation. Under Leigh’s guidance, NTFL umpires have seen marked improvements in both running capacity and repeated high-intensity efforts, directly lifting the standard of match fitness and resilience across the group.

Leigh oversees all physical preparation and match-readiness for the umpiring group, including interim support for boundary umpire fitness in pre-season.