Judges

John McGrath

John McGrath, in retirement, is thrilled to have the opportunity to judge at the Melbourne Royal Fleece Competition after numerous invitations and despite the Show clashing with ram sales. In 2024, John celebrated attending his 50th Sheep Show, marking the transition of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show (ASWS) from Melbourne to Bendigo. 

Having retired from Nutrien after 20 years as a wool manager in Ararat, John brings 30 years of experience working with Merino stud specialising in fine and superfine sheep. In recent years, John has judged at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show (ASWS) in both 2023 and 2024, as well as, other shows including, Balmoral (Autumn sheep show), Stall, Ballarat, Clunes and many more. 

Andrew Combe

Andrew Combe has dedicated 40 years to the wool industry, including a decade as a buyer and 35 years as a broker. His extensive experience also encompasses 34 years of Show judging, with 20 of those years spent judging at the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV). 

Lindsay Brown

Linsday grew up on a sheep and winter cropping farm near Beckom, NSW, with his parents. Having always been passionate about sheep and wool production, this enthusiasm led Linsday to study at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW, where he completed a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business.  

During his studies, Linsday worked at Alfoxton Merino Studs, gaining extensive experience in all aspects of merino sheep breeding and production. This contributed to Lindsay’s success in the junior judging ring. In 2023, Lindsay won the Merino Sheep Young Judges State Final at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and subsequently went on to represent NSW in the National Final at the Royal Launceston Show, where he secured another victory. 

In addition to competitive judging, Linsday has been an associate judge at the West Wyalong Flock Ewe Competition for the last three years and the South West Slopes Stud Merino Field Day in 2023. Lindsay currently works as a wool classer for Elders at their state-of-the-art wool handling facility in Ravenhall, Melbourne. 

Susan Campbell-Wright

Susan Campbell-Wright began fleece and merino sheep judging during her school and university years. In 2023, Susan achieved national recognition by winning the NSW and National Champion titles for merino sheep judging. Susan has all been an associate judge at the West Wyalong and Condobolin Flock Ewe competitions and the South West Slopes Merino Field Day. 

Susan is a committee member and volunteer with RASV ACC, CWA Creative Arts, Amphitheatre Mechanics’ Institute, Heritage Volunteer, and Parks Victoria.