A full round of matches this week and no emergency umpires got a run! Phew what a difference seven days can make. Two of the field umpires who were replaced last weekend, Jason Armstrong and Ben Ryan were able to get themselves up and went back out to umpire in round 4. Justin Schmitt however has succumbed a a significant calf injury. Heath Ryan had to be replaced following training last week when he went out with an Achilles problem to be replaced in the selected panel by Tristan Burgess. It was Tristan’s first game for the season.
Boundary umpire John Morris went back to the scene of many of his early career highlights when he was appointed to the SCG in the Sydney v Kangaroos match. John commenced his AFL career on the SCG many years ago. It seems that Canberra based boundary umpire, Chris Simms is almost back to full fitness and ready to resume in the AFL following two games in the NEAFL to test his injured calf.
Mark Ensbey, from Tasmania, who has replaced Courtney Lai (long term injured list) sat his first bench as the emergency goal umpire in the Melbourne v Carlton match. Mark is being coached remotely by the Victorian based goal umpires coach, Rod Davies and is hopeful of getting his first AFL game soon.
The AFL invited Chelsea Roffey and Rose O’Dea to the Melbourne Football Club’s “Field of Woman” breakfast a few weeks ago with both women enjoying the opportunity to attend the function. Proceeds were donated to Breast Cancer Network Australia. Both Chelsea and Rose represented themselves and umpiring with distinction.
Goal umpire, Mark Canning, has moved into outright fourth place on the all-time goal umpires list by umpiring his 305th AFL match last round. He replaces Steve Stirling (304).