News

It is my pleasure to introduce to you Walter Charles Hopkins OAM (Wally), aged 92 years and one of the oldest members of the AFLUA.  Wally joined the VFL list back in 1948 after a recommendation from the Footscray and District Umpire’s Association.  In 1948 you were expected to progress through the Reserve Grade but Wally jumped that list and was appointed to the senior list. After 10 years on our list Wally was awarded Life Membership of the VFLUA in 1958, retiring in 1963.  Whilst on the list for 16 years Wally did extensive work with our Social Committee, which saw him awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1958.

With the 2017 AFL season now over, October is normally a time for umpires to rest their bodies after a long demanding season. Whilst most still undertake some sort of light cross training and gym programming, field umpires Ray Chamberlain and Chris Donlon are punishing themselves on the bike to prepare for the annual Razor Ride. This year, the Razor Ride covers 770km+ through Victoria’s most iconic cycling locations starting in Docklands on Monday 20th November. It may seem reasonable to think this will be done in a month. It will be ridden in just 6 days!!

Umpire Graham Carbery was the victim of one of football’s most notorious incidents, but away from the headlines he lived a quiet life documenting the history of Australia’s gay movements.

1959 VFL grand final umpire, Bill Barbour passed away yesterday after a brief illness. Bill was 93 years young!

Now this is something to ponder over!  Kevin has been involved in umpiring, either officiating or advising for two-thirds of his life! And that is worth celebrating!

THE Mornington Peninsula has many retirees with a story or even a book, and Eric Brewer is one of those.

One of the AFL’s great moments – the opening bounce of the grand final – will be a casualty of change should the league decide to ban umpires from bouncing the ball.

AFL goal umpire, Rose O’Dea has put her umpiring career on hold as she takes a bold step to further her career.  I chatted with Rose last week to gain a better understanding of what she was doing and why.  Her responses make for an engaging chat.  Read on to see what she wants to do and her reflections on footy, being female and taking control of her career.