News

AFL goal umpire David Dixon has equalled Colin Hood’s record of 311 games this weekend when he officiated in the St.Kilda v Western Bulldogs match at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.  This puts David and Colin equal fourth on the all-time list of VFL/AFL games umpired by a goal umpire.  Only current goal umpire, Mark Canning (318), Craig Clark (334) and David Flegg (337) are ahead of David.  Coincidentally, Colin was David’s partner in his first AFL game and the goal umpire’s observer in this game.

Twenty five weeks into a tough season that will go to the wire for teams fighting for a top 8 finish and our field umpires are dropping like flies.  Heath Ryan has finally succumbed to a season ending Achilles injury following his first game back in round 18 for 8 weeks. The idea was to rest, recover and go again but the season was simply too long.

Jason Venkataya represented umpiring with distinction at the AFL opening of the Multi-cultural round.  Jason was part of a panel interviewed by Jason Mifsud, AFL head of diversity.  He outlined his families journey to Australia, his introduction to footy and why it was important for his connection to Australia’s culture.  Jason also gave an insight into what umpiring meant to him.