Evergreen boundary umpire, Luke Roberts breaks the all time number of games record by a Sydney/ACT based umpire in this weekends, GWS v Carlton game at Giants Stadium.
Luke Roberts breaks a NSW/ACT record
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News
Larger than life
Boundary umpire Gerard Large surprised us all when he was called in to replace an ill Chris Esler on Sunday to officiate in his 150th AFL game. Gerard, who describes himself as a solid umpire is extremely resilient having only missed 2 games in 12 years due to illness.
Tristan Burgess – In charge of the big time
BENDIGO’S Tristan Burgess says there’s nothing easy about umpiring, but it’s a challenge well worth taking up.
Round 13 – Shorts
Boundary umpire Mitch Lefevre celebrated his 150th game on the weekend. Mitch, who commenced his career in Tasmania and moved to Melbourne in 2008 when he made the AFL list is one of the most liked team men in the group. Mitch has umpired six finals. See more on Mitch later in the week.
Susan Alberti backs Female Umpiring Academy
AFL Victoria’s Female Umpire Academy has received a huge boost this season thanks to renowned business woman Susan Alberti.
My first 50 games – what a relief
Looking for someone to take into battle who has the qualities of resilience, an ability to perform every action under immense scrutiny and pressure but who has the strength of mind to fight to retain his place on the list, then Graham Bergroth is your go to man.
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.
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
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 of Queensland and a grand final there that I made the list,” reflected JA as he tried to put a timeline together with me for the article. “I know I was 31 years old when I got onto the list, I did my 100th VFL game while on rotation out of the AFL a year or so ago.”