Has this ever happened before? Sam Walsh runs into goal and kicks the ball over Sam Walsh’s head for another Carlton major. First year Carlton recruit Sam Walsh has been a young up and coming star in his first year in the AFL. In their round 5 game against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, our best first year goal umpire, Sam Walsh stood in the goals. Some would argue they even look alike.
As Craig so eloquently put it, his journey with the AFL has been a pretty wild one with some amazing highs and significant lows. From making the list after 26 state league games, injuries, overseas study trips, delisting, returning to the AFL list, finals panel selection, a lot has happened in the last six years. The one thing that remains with every one of Craig’s 100 games is the thrill of living out the dream of umpiring AFL football.
Tim made his debut as an AFL umpire in round 5 of the 2014 AFL season and recently reached his 100thAFL game when he umpired the Richmond v Carlton game in round one.
The final list announcements were made in the lead up to the AFLW grand final. VFL umpire and contracted Rookie field umpire, Andrew Heffernan was offered the 34th and last spot on the list as a contracted field umpire for 2019.
AFL field umpire, Ray Chamberlain received one of the most prestigious accolades the AFL bestows, life membership at the 2019 season launch at the Melbourne Town Hall in March.
Congratulations to AFL listed umpire Andrew Heffernan, VFL umpire Nathan Toner and Canberra based umpire Nick McGuiness who officiated as the field umpires in the AFLW Grand Final between Adelaide and Carlton. Jamie Broadbent from SA sat as the emergency field umpire.
I completed work experience with the AFLUA from Monday 15 – Thursday 18 April 2019 and during this time I have been working on tasks around the office including being able to attend AFL umpire training which took place on Tuesday afternoon at Ikon park.
As Craig so eloquently put it, his journey with the AFL has been a pretty wild one with some amazing highs and significant lows. From making the list after 26 state league games, injuries, overseas study trips, delisting, returning to the AFL list, finals panel selection, a lot has happened in the last six years. The one thing that remains with every one of Craig’s 100 games is the thrill of living out the dream of umpiring AFL football.
It would be fair to say that field umpire Brent Wallace has had more than his share of setbacks since he was first contracted to the list in 2015. Last Thursday night Brent stepped out in his 50th AFL match following his first injury-free preseason since 2015 and nothing could be done to wipe the smile off his face. Brent, has struggled with a significant calf injury and only umpired the last 10 games of the 2018 season. Strength and Conditioning Coach, Rob Jackson has determined that Brent will do all of his training, running in patterns that he would use in a game. Hey presto, it worked. Let’s hope the next 50 come a little quicker Wally.