Round 11 – shorts

Round 11 – shorts

It has taken 11 rounds of AFL footy but we finally got all of the Queensland boundary umpires on the field at the one time.  Injury, illness and form has stifled the groups push to achieve that goal.      They are a proud group so I have no doubt they would’ve...
Chris Murray – a special supporter

Chris Murray – a special supporter

When AFL Foundation CEO, Derek Linsell (2005-2008) suggested that AFL umpires were in a privileged position to develop meaningful community links he had no idea that his work would have such long term impact on both the umpires and those with who the umpires worked....
JA makes every minute count to 100 games

JA makes every minute count to 100 games

Chatting with Jason Armstrong (JA) you are disarmed by his cheerful disposition and lack of pretence.  “Yeah I did an under-18 grand final with Matty Stevic and Cam Blanchard, not sure what year. I did a VFL grand final but it was only after my third trial out...
Western Region provides the right pathway

Western Region provides the right pathway

When we talk about recruitment and the pathway into AFL umpiring you could be excused for looking to the larger centralised organisations that service community football.   In the last few weeks a number of umpires have achieved 50 game milestones and they are...
Frank finally says his farewell

Frank finally says his farewell

Walking into the trainers room last night I thought I had walked into a “back to the future” moment.  There was Frank Knight holding the tub of lollies rationing them out to the guys as they came off the track.  Frank had returned to the fold to say hello...