News

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Walter (Wal) Andrew. 

On Monday the 7th of November I will be commencing a 6 day, 700km+ bike ride from Canberra to Melbourne as part of the Chamberlain Foundations RAZOR RIDE to raise money for those battling with Mental Illness and who are deeply affected by loss and grief.  ‘My Story’ or the reason behind this endeavour is outlined below and I share it with you to provide context.  I would also ask that you consider the following:

Five of the most talented young field umpires in the country were put through their paces by the AFL umpiring department over two days last week to look for the next contracted umpire.

Grand final field umpire Matt Stevic was announced as the All Australian field umpire for the third year in succession and for the 4th time in 5 years at the grand final cocktail party on Saturday night.  Matt indicated that the announcement had taken him by surprise this year.  “You cannot win these awards without the help of so many people,” said Matt when presented with his jacket by Umpires’ manager, Luke Ball.  Matt went on to thank his fellow umpires, trainers, medical staff and family for their care and support over many years.  Matt joins Brett Allen as the most “capped” All Australian with four gongs.  Darren Goldspink and Brett Rosebury have 3 All Australians beside their names.

A live orchestrated screening of the drawn 2010 AFL Grand Final between St Kilda and Collingwood – an epic game that most Australians have never forgotten – was conducted at the Arts Centre last Thursday.

SA based boundary umpire, Chris Bull has taken all before him this season and this weekend debuts in his first AFL grand final.  He continues the great dynasty of SA umpires in AFL grand finals.  Chris has umpired 121 games including 5 finals. 

We all know Brian Taylor is prone to exaggeration from time to time and some were surprised to realise he even knew the name Chris Appleton.  However, to say he is the most experienced goal umpire was a little fanciful during the preliminary final commentary on Saturday night, although he may well be the best!

Ask anyone and they will say that there is no bigger roar than the start of a preliminary final in front of a packed house.  The footy purists clearly say that it solely because it is the last bastion of club supporters, who flock to the game in their tens of thousands because at the grand final there are less members of the two competing clubs who can get a ticket.

AFL Rookie umpires have a tough but rewarding time in each season they are “supplementary listed” and given an AFL contract to sit on a bench as an emergency field umpire.