AFLUA life member, Greg Sidebottom tragically passed away on Saturday, doing what he did best, umpiring football. Greg collapsed during the last quarter of a game in Ardmona and could not be revived.
Greg was a VFLUA member between 1977 and 1987. He umpired 39 VFL matches between 1983 and 1987. He was awarded Heritage number 298.
Greg also umpired 23 VFL reserve grade games, 130 VCFL matches including 5 grand finals. The 1983 La Trobe Valley, 1984 Wimmera, 1986 Farrer, 1987 Hume League and 1983 West Tasmanian grand final.
Greg was a member of the VFLUA Social Committee from 1984 until 1987.
He was made a life member in 1987.
Greg’s commitment to young umpires was always at the fore. He was the umpire’s coach of the Goulburn Valley Football League for many years and observed and mentored many young umpires as they made their way through the VFL system.
AFL umpires all wore black armbands on Sunday in respect of Greg’s contribution to AFL football.