Stephen McBurney has resumed his quest towards the 400 game milestone when he returned to AFL senior ranks two weeks ago. Stephen, who trained 76 days straight in the lead up to the pre – Christmas benchmark fitness test, broke down with a hamstring tear on the eve of round 1. Stephen successfully negotiated the Essendon v. GWS game at Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. It was his 385th AFL appearance.
Luke Farmer umpired his 100th AFL game on the weekend in the WCE v. Western Bulldogs clash at Patersons Stadium. Luke who hails from WA becomes the fourth WA field umpire to officiate in 100 games. Grant Vernon (203 games), Dean Margetts (189) and Greg Scoop (129) are ahead of him. Luke was promoted to the AFL list in 2007 following appointment in three WAFL grand finals. He umpired his first final in 2012.
Michael Hammond has been knocking on the door for higher honours for many years as a goal umpire. He is finally receiving the accolades he deserves. Michael, who hailed from the Latrobe Valley, began his career there in 1991. He umpired two VFL grand finals in ’04 and ’05, before finally getting his opportunity on the AFL list in 2006. Michael has umpired two AFL finals matches in the past two seasons. He achieved his 100 game milestone in the Carlton v. Melbourne match.
Boundary umpire Tim Morrison umpired his 50th game at the Carlton v. Melbourne clash at the MCG on Sunday. Tim umpired his first AFL match in 2011. He commenced his junior umpiring with the Western Region Football League in 2000.