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.
News
Round 11 shorts
The AFLUA presented game record holder former goal umpire David Dixon with his retirement caricature last week. Never one for wanting a fuss made about him, David was happy to receive the retirement gift in person. David is spending his time coaching the AFLW goal umpiring and working in the VFL as the goal umpires’ fitness coach.
AFLUA Annual Lunch in Queensland
Last Sunday the AFLUA hosted its annual luncheon in Brisbane .
Passing of a great bloke – AFLUA Life Member, Peter Matheson
Peter Matheson or “Matho” as he was known to his mates, was a larger than life figure that began his career on the VFL panel in 1966 until his retirement in 1975. During that time he officiated in 25 VFL matches, 37 reserves games, 156 VCFL games including 11 grand finals. He joined the VFL/AFL field umpires observing panel a position he held between 1976 and 1987.
China – a great experience for all
Round 8 saw the first game for premiership points played outside of Australia and New Zealand. Shanghai, China was the venue for the historic Gold Coast v Port Adelaide game. Seventeen umpires and officials made up the touring party who were fortunate to be chosen to represent the AFL.
Chris Kamolins – congratulations on 200 games
Chris Kamolins celebrates his 200th AFL game when he heads down to Simmonds Stadium for the Geelong v Adelaide game on Friday night.
Chris Gordon – joins the elite 200 game in equal fastest time
Joining Mark Foster as the equal fastest boundary umpire to reach 200 AFL games in 8 years and 65 days, is Chris Gordon when he takes to the field for the Port Adelaide v Hawthorn game at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
Round 10 shorts – Rookies umpire state game
Congratulations to two of our rookies on the weekend who were selected to umpire the VFL v WAFL state game played at Port Melbourne on Saturday. Matt Adams (WA) and Daniel Butcher (VFL) have both represented their states in games played over the past few seasons. The Vics who have had little success to brag about in recent seasons at a state level again succumbed to a strong WA unit. Congratulations to all umpires who were selected for the game.









