Footy has turned a full circle in Queensland over the past few years with a strong full list to choose from in the early 2000’s, to a list that struggled to find the depth required at the elite level over recent years. However, that all seems to be in the past as the guys prepare themselves for the start to the 2015 season.
Just over seven years ago, a young Sportsready trainee walked through the doors of the AFLUA eager to make her mark on the world. Now, in 2015 a talented young woman is leaving to pursue her business career.
Grand final boundary umpire Michael Saunders regards himself as the grand father of the young crop of AFL listed umpires he has enthusiastically readying themselves for the 2015 season.
Justin’s last words to me yesterday afternoon as he reflected on his retirement presentation were, “I don’t know how they did it Pete. The conditions were oppressive.”
Newly elected AFLUA President, Chris Kamolins took the reins from his predecessor, Stefan Grun last Tuesday night at the AGM.
Talking to newly listed Dan Field-Read today brought back many memories of the last man I knew to change umpiring disciplines at State League level. Evergreen, AFLUA life member, 256 AFL games and 3 time grand final boundary umpire, Allan Cook started his career in Melbourne as a VFL listed field umpire before being talked into a career change and made his AFL debut in 1991 as a boundary umpire.
Wye River was the base for the AFL Field Umpires 2015 preseason camp conducted last weekend. In pretty surrounds about 20km past Lorne, the beach and steep hills made it the perfect place to test the physical capability and strength of the squad, whilst also providing a great opportunity for the newly listed umpires and rookies from around the country to bond with the group.
Life member, special award recipient and AFLUA Hall of Fame member, JR as he is affectionately known, Jack Gray celebrates his ninetieth birthday on February 19. Not one to like the focus of attention on him he was a little bemused when we rang to wish him a happy birthday from all here at the association.
The AFL will trial four field umpires in the pre-season competition, with the extra umpire possible in future premiership seasons.