Anthony Black has been the childhood goal umpiring idol for a number of AFL and state-based umpires across Australia and Steve Williams, who walks onto the ground for the North Melbourne v St Kilda game on Friday night to officiate his 150th AFL game, is one of them. His legacy lives on as Steve still tries to emulate Anthony’s style in his performance today.
Congratulations to Simon for becoming the 22nd field umpire in VFL/AFL history to reach 300 AFL games on Saturday. Alistair Clarkson and Simon will both remember the game for different reasons. Alistair was fined by the AFL for alleging that a decision Simon awarded late in the game to the Gold Coast was disgraceful. From the feedback most pundits thought that it was fair enough considering the continual warnings the players were given to “hold” their position.
Congratulations to former AFL Boundary umpire Darren Wilson who won the 2017 T2T Tower Climb in One World Trade Centre in New York City on Sunday 4 June.
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.
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.
Last Sunday the AFLUA hosted its annual luncheon in Brisbane .
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.
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 celebrates his 200th AFL game when he heads down to Simmonds Stadium for the Geelong v Adelaide game on Friday night.