AFL field umpire, Ray Chamberlain received one of the most prestigious accolades the AFL bestows, life membership at the 2019 season launch at the Melbourne Town Hall in March.
Ray joined the AFL panel from the VFL in mid 2004. He has currently umpired 289 AFL games including 23 finals and two grand finals. Other games that are added to his record include pre-season matches and international rules games, taking his total to over 300. Ray, who is one of the most recognisable umpires in the AFL has overcome a number of serious injuries including a broken knee cap that sidelined him for over half a season to finally achieve his award.
Ray received his award from AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder along with Buddy Franklin, Scott Pendlebury, David Mundy and former players, coaches and administrators, John Dugdale, Merv Keane and Wally Miller.