The South Australian Umpires Association held its annual dinner on Tuesday night where life members and current umpires come together to celebrate umpiring in South Australia. Current running umpires get the opportunity to rub shoulders with umpires of the past and trade stories of days gone by.
AFL rookie listed field umpire, Curtis Deboy was voted by his peers as the “Most Dedicated” field umpire. Curtis has been a member of the SANFLUA for eight years and this year became an executive member.
AFL boundary umpire Matt Konetschka was voted as the “Most Determined” boundary umpire. Matt, who won the award for the second consecutive year was prepared this year with a written response. “Training is awesome because it gets me out of uni. Thanks to the guys who supported me to get to the AFL. I love my involvement in footy.”
Ex AFL goal umpire Steve Murphy was awarded life membership of the South Australian Football League Umpires Association for his 22 years of work and support of the group. Steve umpired 74 AFL games including one final in his 11 years on the list in the ACT.
Another ex AFL umpire and AFLUA life member, Michael Avon achieved a great milestone last weekend when he officiated in his 200th SANFL match which automatically elevates him to SANFL life membership. Michael, who is still officiating at the top of his game in South Australia umpired 179 AFL games including one final.
Pictured: Michael Avon