WARRNAMBOOL umpires Jamie Lake and Mick Atkinson will be hard pressed to keep the low-key profile they are regularly accustomed to at the Australian Country Football Championships this week in Shepparton.

Lake umpires his 500th match tomorrow in division two competition at nearby Mooroopna, creating an unfamiliar environment for the important milestone.

But in keeping with his approach to game officiating, Lake is taking it in his stride and looking forward to soaking up the championships' atmosphere.

``It is probably up there with a Hampden league grand final,'' he said yesterday of the titles challenge.

``It will be good being up there.''

The 36-year-old central umpire is in the midst of a career renaissance, underlined by his selection for the titles from a VCFL academy squad.

He acknowledged the past five years as his most productive with the Warrnambool and District Football Umpires' Association, making him a late maturer after starting as a 14-year-old boundary umpire in 1986.

In his 23rd season, Lake has notched up 125 boundary appointments, one in the goals and 373 central.

His rise to prominence is highlighted by his appointment to Warrnambool and District Football Netball League grand finals in 2004 and '05, as well as last year's Hampden Football Netball League grand final and an interleague clash at Kardinia Park between Hampden and Geelong.

Lake attributes his latter career success to maturity.

``Having a family and knuckling down ... getting fit,'' he said.

``I probably have to work on my fitness. I'd say career-wise, the last five years have probably been my best.''

Lake also serves the WDFUA as a committee member and was its president from 2004 to '06.

He will travel to Shepparton today with Atkinson, a 42-year-old goal umpire who made the transition after 250 games of WDFNL football with East Warrnambool and South Rovers.

As well as officiating tomorrow, they have division two appointments on Sunday.

Atkinson said the VCFL academy had broadened his umpiring outlook.

``When I took up goal umpiring five or six years ago I thought I wouldn't go any further than Warrnambool and District or Hampden games,'' he said.