Thursday 30 November saw AFL Goal Umpire, Chelsea Roffey presented amongst many other AFL greats with the annual stamp presentation at Windy Hill, Essendon.
The AFL Premiership Players Club selects 20 premiership players, coaches and officials each year to be inducted onto the Australian Post stamp.The organisation was formed in 2000 to recognise players and coaches who have achieved the ultimate in VFL/AFL football.
The night was hosted by former VFL/AFL stars Robert Shaw and John Bourke and stamps were presented to past champions including Anthony Koutoufides, Barry Davis and Don Scott. AFL legendary coach and player Ron Barassi was amongst those in attendance. 2007 Australian Idol winner, Natalie Gauci took to the stage to stun the crowd by singing ‘Amazing Grace’.
AFLUA Life Member Kevin Andrews, who umpired the 1985 and 1986 grand finals, was honoured to make the presentation to Chelsea while his niece Carol Fox, the President of Women’s Sport Australia made a short presentation and presented the frame to Chelsea.
Kevin made mention that ‘it’s a fact of life that Chelsea is the only female to ever umpire a VFL/AFL Grand final.’
Chelsea’s ‘love for footy’ is what made her umpire AFL footy and achieve her ultimate dream of umpiring the 2012 Grand Final. She explained that her love for the game started by ‘playing kick to kick in the backyard barefoot, love it.. couldn’t get enough’. She then became involved in umpiring to get into the game and rest is history!
Chelsea recognised and thanked her father who flew in from interstate for attending the evening to celebrate with her.
Congratulations Chelsea, a great honour.
Pictured: Kevin Andrews and Chelsea Roffey