Congratulations to boundary umpire Chris Gordon, who will mark his 350th career AFL match this weekend when he takes to the field for the 2023 AFL Grand Final between Collingwood and Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
This landmark milestone caps off Chris’ seventh AFL Grand Final outing, adding another significant achievement to his umpiring journey that began in 2003 with the Southern Umpires Association. It will also be Chris’ final AFL match, as he recently announced his decision to retire at the end of this season.
Following his AFL debut in 2009, Chris was awarded Heritage Number 527 and has since gone on to script an incredible track record running the boundary.
Chris’ previous six AFL Grand Finals were in 2011, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. He was recognised with his first All-Australian blazer and the Murray Williams Shield in 2022, in what proved to be a remarkable season for Chris.
Chris has also been the Bill Sutton Medallion winner twice (2009 and 2010). He umpired in two NAB Cup Grand Finals (2010 and 2011) and the 2011 International Rules Series.
As someone who is relentlessly committed to strive and be better, to go out every game and give his best, Chris has been an established and respected member of the extended umpiring group and a leader among the boundary umpires’ contingent.
Congratulations Chris, on reaching this milestone. We wish you all the best on Saturday.
# Featured image – Boundary umpire Chris Gordon during the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)