Congratulations to Adam Wojcik on umpiring his 200thgame at the Carlton v Essendon match on Saturday 12 May. In so doing, Adam became the 138thVFL/AFL umpire and 41stgoal umpire to officiate 200 games. He also became the fastest VFL/AFL goal umpire to reach this milestone – 10 years 22 days, replacing Bob Barker who achieved the same milestone in 10 years 141 days.
Field Umpire, David Harris achieved his 100th AFL game milestone in the game between Adelaide and Carlton at Adelaide Oval on 5 May 2018.
Justin Schmitt becomes the 13th umpire in the history of the game to umpire 350 games this weekend when he takes the field in the Adelaide v Geelong Preliminary Final. Justin just keeps getting better with age. During the middle phase of his career that commenced in 1997 Justin was beset with back, hamstring and shoulder injuries that would have sounded the death knell to any other person. His single minded focus and resilience is unshakable. He probably missed the better part of 50 games over those three seasons.
In round 3 on Saturday the 10th of April 2004, North Melbourne won by 5 points against Carlton at the MCG in front of 36,273 fans. This was also the day Simon Meredith made his AFL debut and was awarded heritage number 398. Simon will walk out onto the MCG this Saturday afternoon, 14 years since that debut for his 300th AFL match. He becomes only the 22nd field umpire to achieve this feat. Within the 299 matches, Simon has umpired 24 finals, 4 Grand Finals and was awarded AFL life membership earlier this year. An extraordinary career to date.
You are immediately captured by his unbridled enthusiasm, his contagious smile and passion for the game. Field umpire, Simon Meredith may have just umpired his 250th AFL game but he could well be that same youthful rookie who first stepped onto an AFL ground in 2004.
Boundary umpire, Tim Morrison forms part of a Western Region Football League push to take over AFL umpiring. Tim is but one of seven listed umpires making his mark on the AFL umpiring scene who commenced his career in that league.
Underneath that warm welcoming smile and the apparent laid back style beats the heart of a man who is driven to be a perfectionist in everything he touches.
The first thing you notice about chatting with Chris Gordon (Gordo) is that his smile immediately disarms you and you relax into his company with ease.