I’m sure that one of the joys in footy is sharing milestones with colleagues, friends and family. The umpiring department is often inundated with requests from our umpires for tickets to enable everyone the opportunity to share the event.
So how does Steve Williams share his 200th game this weekend when Essendon plays Fremantle at Marvel Stadium?
“It probably wasn’t what I anticipated 6 weeks ago,” mused a reflective Steve when I caught up with him yesterday. “I had my wife and a few friends and colleagues ready to share the milestone. Now we probably can’t even have a meal together in a restaurant in the current circumstances.” So how eerie will it be in front of no crowd? “One thing is for sure,” laughed Steve, “It will be very different!”
So, let’s celebrate 200 games for Steve Williams in the Essendon v Fremantle match.
Three umpires also reach personal milestones with 50 AFL games each – Alistair Meldrum in the Gold Coast v Pt. Adelaide game, Sally Boud – West Coast v Melbourne and Leigh Haussen – Adelaide v Sydney. We wish you all the best in celebrating your milestone.
Three umpires are also making their debut – Jesse Baird – Gold Coast v Pt Adelaide, Simon Plumridge and Sam Stagg who will do their first game in the North Melbourne v St Kilda match at Marvel Stadium. Congratulations to each of you.
You are not forgotten, this will be a round of footy that will be something different, that memories will be made of.