India-Rose Toll will head to the Gold Coast to umpire at the AFLW national championships

Attending her father's AFL games from the age of two, though it was not the game play that caught her fascination.

"I used to just always go to my dad's games, [but] I was always watching the umpire," said the 19-year-old.

Toll describes living a life in 'enemy territory', having grown up Crookwell, near Goulburn, and relocating to Junee in 2017. Both towns proudly boast to be rugby heartland.

"I was one of only three people in my high school who followed AFL, so we'd get a bit picked on," said the North Melbourne supporter.

Without an AFL team in Junee, Toll admits it was an odd place to find herself as an aspiring referee.

Since moving to the town, she has been training as a goal umpire with the Riverina Umpire Association.

She has now been chosen as the only female representative of NSW to umpire the under-18s women's games at the Gold Coast hosted nationals in July.

"I'm really actually nervous but trying not to show it," Toll said.

"[Ahead of the tournament] my every move is being critiqued, I have to be perfect. It's a good thing, because it'll make me better.

"I think [the emotions] come in waves, it's mainly excitement."

Coach Lee Barclay said the quick ascension was a reflection of Toll's passion for the game.

"She's come a long way in a short space of time," said Barclay, following Toll's performance during the Farrer verse Hume under 17s match.

"It's a concentration thing, even when the ball's down the other end, you've got to be watching. Even in training, she's a sponge. She's willing to learn.

"I always like to see young ones progress, and the Riverina is full of strong refereeing talent."

Existing in the male dominated sport has not been easy for the young goal referee, who admitted player intimidation can often be a barrier for other women to join the umpire ranks.

"I'm the goal umpire so I can just walk away if players get in my face," she said.

"My main focus is the goals, it has to be, and I'm pretty passionate about being there.

"I think it's not really encouraged for females to get involved, but I'm hoping to be an inspiration. There's also a female boundary umpire which is inspiration."

The training has not been particularly easy, Toll said it "makes me want to cry, but that just might be me".

But the intensity should not be a deterrent for other budding umpires, especially women.

"I think women could be a bit scared to be there, but they shouldn't be.

"The atmosphere when you step out onto the field, just to hear the cheering from that side, even though it's not for you. It's fantastic."