Decorated AFL boundary umpire Mitch Le Fevre has decided to call time on his career after the end of the 2023 season.
His decision to call stumps comes on the back of successful spells spanning decades across the Tasmanian leagues, the VFL and top honours in the AFL.
After spending his formative years as an official with the Northern Tasmanian Football Umpires’ Association since 1997, the VFL came calling for Mitch. This provided a vital springboard for his career and he thrived to become one of the most recognised members of the group.
Between 1999 and 2014, Mitch umpired 71 VFL matches, including three VFL grand final title deciders on the trot between 2004 and 2006.
Mitch debuted in AFL Round 1 (Melbourne v. Hawthorn at the MCG) in 2008, after being elevated to the panel in 2007. To date, he has umpired in 328 AFL matches, including 16 Finals, as well as one AFLW match.
He was awarded the Bill Sutton Medallion in 2008, as the most promising first- or second-year boundary umpire.
Mitch’s professionalism and tireless work led him to scale the ranks steadily. The 2017 AFL season proved to be his breakthrough year. Mitch umpired in the 2017 AFL Grand Final between Richmond and Adelaide, and was honoured with the Murray Williams Shield.
As part of the leadership group between 2019-2022, he represented the interests of the boundary umpiring group.
For his services and positive contributions to umpiring, Mitch was awarded AFLUA Life Membership in 2016, and two years after, was inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame.
Well done, Mitch, on your excellent umpiring journey. We wish you the very best going forward!
# Featured image – Boundary umpire Mitch Le Fevre during the 2022 AFL Round 03 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)