Eleni Goulftsis has kicked off her career as the AFL's first female field umpire with the first bounce of Sunday's match between Essendon and Carlton in Melbourne.
While the 23-year-old was keen to get the job underway, her family - who flew in from Adelaide to watch her debut - were more nervous.
"It's a bit daunting but certainly a lot of pride," her father Tom Goulftsis said before the match.
"She played a lot of footy herself, she loves playing footy."
Her family says Eleni will handle the pressure of being in the centre of the field - and the centre of attention.
"She's got thick skin and I think that's a great attribute for other young women and girls who want to get into footy or want to get into another sport," sister Marika Goulftsis said.
