Part of my work experience tasks was to write an article on AFL umpires. So I went along to training on the 5th of April 2016. The umpires train at Ikon Park in Carlton. The AFL umpires share the training venue with professional rugby union club, the Melbourne...
Goal umpire, Matt Dervan became the 341st goal umpire to officiate in a VFL/AFL game when he took to the field in the Essendon v Melbourne match at the MCG. Matt’s parents were in the crowd to witness his AFL debut as was his VAFA mentor and ex AFL goal umpire,...
AFLUA life member, Greg Sidebottom tragically passed away on Saturday, doing what he did best, umpiring football. Greg collapsed during the last quarter of a game in Ardmona and could not be revived. Greg was a VFLUA member between 1977 and 1987. He umpired 39 VFL...
Giving oneself a kick up the backside for not achieving a fitness test without blaming others or looking for excuses is often the difference between success and failure in elite sports, be it officiating or actually playing the game. A decision to get his fitness up...
Leaving your comfort zone is often a challenge for many, whether it be work, education or even sport. Eleni Glouftsis had to move out of her comfort zone in Adelaide to Melbourne to further an umpiring career. She had to make the hard decision to relocate to Melbourne...
