Boundary umpire Chris Gordon recently announced his decision to retire from AFL umpiring at the end of the 2023 AFL season.
Chris made the announcement at an AFL umpires’ training session at Marvel Stadium, with his umpiring colleagues and family present for the occasion.
Chris reminisced about his umpiring journey so far and shared some memorable stories, including how he was introduced to Australian Rules football at a very young age and fell in the love with the game instantly.
Chris Gordon at Marvel Stadium announcing his retirement (Image – AFLUA Media)
He thanked the AFL Umpiring Department, the AFL Umpires Association, his umpiring peers past and present, and physios, for their continued support across his career, as well as his family, for their support, sacrifices and encouragement that have helped him pursue his umpiring pathway and achieve so much throughout.
With the 2023 AFL season nearing its business end, Chris wants to finish the year with 100% commitment, and walk away with pride for what he has accomplished as an official.
Chris commenced his umpiring in 2003 with the Southern Umpires Association, and joined the AFL List in 2009. Since his debut that same year on the big stage (Collingwood v. Adelaide), he has built an impressive umpiring resume, comprising 344 career matches so far, including 35 Finals and six AFL Grand Finals (2011, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022).
He was recognised with the Bill Sutton Medallion (2009 and 2010), and umpired in two NAB Cup Grand Finals (2010 and 2011) and the 2011 International Rules Series.
The 2022 AFL Season proved to be the highlight year for Chris. He umpired his sixth Grand Final, and was named the All-Australian Boundary Umpire and Murray Williams Shield winner for the first time in his career.
As someone who is relentlessly committed to strive and be better, to go out every game and give his best, Chris has become an established and respected member of the extended umpiring group, and a leader among the boundary umpires’ contingent.
Congratulations, Chris, on an incredible umpiring career, and we wish you all the best going forward.
Featured image – Chris Gordon during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)