It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad passing of a wonderful family man, a great umpire and coach, an exceptional contributor to the AFLUA and a man who stood for all of the values our association holds dear.
Vale – Brian Pratt
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News
Denis Kelly – still flying high
When RAAF air gunner and wireless operator Denis Kelly’s Lancaster bomber took off on its final mission in July 1944 little did he know that he would spend the next four months and his 21st birthday avoiding capture in Occupied France.
The association’s only loss – Alex Salton
The warm, sunny day in Estaires, Northern France in November 2014 was almost 100 years and a world removed from the France of 1916. The peace of the Estaires Cemetery was not interrupted by nearby artillery fire, the tramp of soldiers moving to the front or the roar of aircraft overhead.
Round 3 shorts
Brodie Kenny-Bell becomes the 340th goal umpire to debut in the VFL/AFL. Brodie officiated in the Sydney v GWS game at the SCG. Talking to Brodie today he was still on cloud nine and said that his family and friends traveled over from South Australia to make the day even more special.
1910 VFL Grand Final – Keenan out
In 2009 research revealed that Bob Boyle, long credited with running the boundary in the 1916 VFL Grand Final, did not actually take up the appointment and was replaced pre-match by Bill Roy. A similar occurrence has recently been discovered. This time it is the 1910 VFL Grand Final and involves the goal umpires.
Couldn’t script a better finish
Goal umpire, Steve Williams couldn’t have scripted a better finish to his 100th game yesterday in the Essendon v Hawthorn clash at the “G.” In front of just on sixty thousand spectators Essendon staged a remarkable comeback to beat the reigning premiers. “These are the games you umpire for, to be involved in a great finish makes all the sacrifices and hard work worth it,” reflected Steve today.
The milestones continue
Goal umpires feature prominently in this weeks milestones. Steve Williams and Dale Edwick reach their 100 AFL games and Steve Axon stood in his 150th game when Pt Adelaide played Sydney on Saturday night.
Royal Children’s Hospital – Good Friday Appeal
The AFL Umpires Association through the Jeff Crouch Foundation donated $5620.00 to the Royal Children’s Hospital on Good Friday.
A chat with the new guy – Ben Carbonaro
As someone who has been involved with football as a supporter since childhood and club volunteer since my teenage years, I’ve always been intrigued by what’s required when it comes to officiating in a match.