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.
We caught up with AFLUA life member, Bill Yendle aka “The voice” a little while ago and had a great chat about all things life and footy. Bill turns 90 later this year and still loves a chat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The AFL Umpires Association through the Jeff Crouch Foundation donated $5620.00 to the Royal Children’s Hospital on Good Friday.
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.
Spare a thought tomorrow morning when you wake at 6.30am and turn on your news radio, for Ian “Buzz” Burrows. Ian will have just completed another night shift and will be winding his way home for breakfast and a well earned sleep. “I’m lucky that I can actually sleep during the day time. I am generally in bed by 7am and I will sleep until mid afternoon.”