AFL goal umpire David Dixon has equalled Colin Hood’s record of 311 games this weekend when he officiated in the St.Kilda v Western Bulldogs match at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. This puts David and Colin equal fourth on the all-time list of VFL/AFL games umpired by a goal umpire. Only current goal umpire, Mark Canning (318), Craig Clark (334) and David Flegg (337) are ahead of David. Coincidentally, Colin was David’s partner in his first AFL game and the goal umpire’s observer in this game.
This weekend was full of comebacks. Simon Meredith returned to umpiring this weekend following an eight week lay off since he was diagnosed with bleeding on the brain in the last Sydney v. Port Adelaide game. In a quiet return Simon ran around in the VFL at Frankston. Chris Kamolins returned in the VFL at Sandringham after a six week calf injury .
Stuart Wenn was back in the AFL for his first game since round five after five weeks in the VFL recovering from planta facia. However, the biggest return was that of goal umpire, Courtney Lai. Courtney was back for his 24th AFL match after a 40 round wait. Courtney’s last game was in round 2 2013. Courtney walked off the ground satisfied that he was back but still talking about what he needs to do to improve.
Field umpire Chris Donlon had a much publicised conversation with North Melbourne backman, Michael Firrito during the GWS v Nth Melbourne match on Saturday. Is it true that they caught up for a chat after the game and then shared a cab home?