You are immediately captured by his unbridled enthusiasm, his contagious smile and passion for the game. Field umpire, Simon Meredith may have just umpired his 250th AFL game but he could well be that same youthful rookie who first stepped onto an AFL ground in 2004.
Boundary umpire, Tim Morrison forms part of a Western Region Football League push to take over AFL umpiring. Tim is but one of seven listed umpires making his mark on the AFL umpiring scene who commenced his career in that league.
Two current Hall of Fame members were elevated to legend status and nine new members were inducted into the AFLUA Hall of Fame at a gala event attended by 200 current umpires, Life members and their guests at Melbourne’s Park Hyatt Hotel on Monday June 29.
Before leaving for the MCG, Lewis’ proud parents — Colin and Susan — made sure they’d set their Foxtel IQ to record the build-up to the Round 1 clash between Melbourne and the Gold Coast Suns.
Underneath that warm welcoming smile and the apparent laid back style beats the heart of a man who is driven to be a perfectionist in everything he touches.
Tristan was always destined to play or umpire AFL football. His father’s heritage had a lot to do with that. “My father was from Ballarat in Victoria. My earliest memories were of him taking us to Carrara. He was the merchandise manager for the Brisbane Bears in their early days. I grew up loving footy and wanting to play,” reflected Tristan when we caught up with him today.
There is a famous statement that – records are made to be broken – and this week, the AFL Sydney Umpires Group has a MILESTONE record that will be made by field umpire Frank Kalayzich – 500 Senior Premier Division Games in the AFL Sydney Competition – a record that will not be surpassed.
Spare a thought for Dean Margetts next time you pack your suitcase for a trip to Perth, or indeed anywhere on a plane. Since 2002 when Dean umpired his first AFL game he has packed his bags 154 times to head across the Nullarbor to fulfil his dream to umpire AFL football.
The first thing you notice about chatting with Chris Gordon (Gordo) is that his smile immediately disarms you and you relax into his company with ease.