On what is expected to be a cool and wet Sunday in Melbourne, AFL field umpire Chris Donlon will walk onto the consecrated turf of the MCG to umpire his 426th and final game.
Concluding a career that began in the South Metro Junior Football League and culminated in an AFL Grand Final, Chris’s departure will see the AFL lose one of their most experienced umpires.
One of just nine field umpires to reach 400 games, he credits an “unwavering commitment to preparing and doing the work” for his longevity in the job. Just two people he umpired with in his debut season remain active, Simon Meredith and Ray Chamberlain.
Donlon during the 2011 Grand Final match between the Collingwood and the Geelong at the MCG.
Across his career he’s umpired premiership matches at 20 different venues across Australia and New Zealand, but his 110 games the MCG, makes it his home ground and a fitting venue for his send-off.
Beyond the scope of bright lights and big games lies Donlon’s extensive commitment to going above and beyond for umpiring.
For years Donlon worked to reinvigorate the AFLUA’s marquee charity programme, the Fiona McBurney Matchday Experience. Steve McBurney, whose sister is the namesake of the programme acknowledged his influence:
“Chris has been the driving force behind the Fiona McBurney match day program. He even survived a career threatening dangerous tackle from a participant on the MCG during a DSV grid game.
Chris has always looked out for others. His selfless dedication has left an indelible and lasting memory for both participants and their families.”
Further, for the past two years, he has volunteered himself for the role of President of the AFLUA.
Donlon’s performance, experience and leadership has earned him the reverence of many of his colleagues.
Ten-time Grand Final umpire Matt Stevic has “always admired Chris’ passion commitment and dedication to umpiring over 20 plus years.”
“Integrity, respect and a genuine care for his team mates and the broader umpiring community are qualities that made Chris’s contribution to the game profound and significant. Above all, I have valued his friendship, support and honesty. Chris has been and continues to be one of my trusted loyal friends in umpiring. He has made me a better person and better umpire.”
2007: Two years into his career umpiring a Tigers vs Demons game at the MCG.
493 gamer Simon Meredith also praises Chris’s driven approach to umpiring:
“Chris was always a beast on the training track which was painful as we trained so often together and I was always miles behind trying to keep up. Having umpired at every level with Chris, from u12’s to the elite level, he always made sure we had a fun day regardless of the game, the conditions or how good or bad we umpired!”
Despite the growing demands of umpiring over the years, Donlon is of the old school in that he’s managed umpiring with a high-level professional career. He admits that managing his dual careers has not been easy.
“It has been tough, and in part the reason why I have decided to retire. That being said, balancing work, football, and family required a lot of prioritising, scheduling, and effective time management. Open communication and being fully present in each area are key. Flexibility and maintaining health ensure long-term sustainability.”
As his time as an elite umpire ends, Donlon has been able to watch the development of his daughter Sarah, as she, like many children of umpires, choose to follow in the footsteps of her father.
“Sarah is forging her pathway, she is involved in coaching and umpiring. It is exciting to see her progress and show promise. I am looking forward to supporting her on her journey.”
As he puts it, a career in umpiring allows one to be “challenged in every way to be your best, and in those experiences finding delight and a sense of accomplishment.” From his years of experience at the highest level, he’s identified one lesson as his most valuable:
“It’s okay not to be perfect all the time, permit yourself to make mistakes. Take time and relish these exciting moments.”
The AFLUA expresses its thanks to Chris Donlon for his contributions to umpiring, the Association and charity. Congratulations on your career.
Article by Jackson Kerr