Noel Egan was one of the few VFA umpires to successfully transfer to the VFL and carve out a career over an extended period. While the vast majority of those games were in the country he tasted much success in the city reaching VFL senior level in the first three years after moving leagues.
From 1952 to 1964 Noel umpired extensively in the country and Tasmania and built a career as one of the best. His success is illustrated by his appointment to 33 VCFL grand finals in 26 competitions, 6 Tasmanian state championship and 9 VCFL championship matches.
In all Noel umpired 361 matches (10 VFL, 29 VFL Second Eighteen, 322 VCFL) in 16 seasons. Off the field Noel also served two seasons on the VFLUA’s executive committee. He was awarded life membership in 1959.
Noel’s funeral will be held this Saturday (July 5) in the Mc Cormack Chapel, Highett Street, Mansfield commencing at 1pm. Our thoughts are with his son Neil, daughter Robyn and their families. Noel was 89 years old.