Veteran boundary umpire Michael Saunders umpired his 300th game last Saturday. The milestone, set to be his last, comes 15 years, 3 months and 16 days after his round 1 debut in 2009. Michael clearly remembers his debut game.
“I remember thinking I just needed to get my first decision and throw in out of the way and then I could settle in. I didn’t have to wait long, first play it came right at me in the forward pocket and I had a very close out on the full, and from the next kick it went out of bounds for a throw in!”
Michaels path to umpiring is a familiar one, turning from athletics – he was Victorian under 18 800-meter champion – to umpiring as “a way to make a bit of money and keep fit over winter.”
Saunders during the 2011 AFL Round 10 match between Collingwood and West Coast at the MCG.
After two years with the VAFA, chronic fatigue syndrome temporarily forced Saunders out of umpiring. Having completed his tertiary study, a move to Sydney for a graduate position would unexpectedly open new umpiring opportunities.
Knowing nobody in a new city, Saunders decided to contact the Sydney umpiring group to make some social connections.
“When I moved to Sydney I picked it up again socially because I was moving to a fresh city and didn’t know anyone. Best decision I ever made.”
Former NSW/ACT State Umpire’s Manager, Graham Glassford, who himself was in an elite athlete program remembered Michael and gave him an opportunity to train with the group.
Soon Michael found himself umpiring the Sydney FL grand Final in 2008 and being offered an AFL contract in 2009. He was awarded heritage number 529.
Just four years later in 2013, Saunders would capture umpiring’s most coveted prize, appointment to a Grand Final, a “a clear standout just for the sense of achievement and being the pinnacle of our profession.”
Beyond the pageantry and fanfare of Grand Finals, one particular game sticks in Saunder’s mind.
“I think the 2016 Prelim Final between the Giants and Bulldogs was an amazing game, with incredible skill and intensity from two teams at the top of their game. I did a lot of early GWS games where they were being belted, so to go to Giants stadium and officiate a modern classic was full circle.”
Being an umpire is no easy gig, and Saunders, like many has to deal with the challenges that the job throws at them. Beyond the hard running, which “is always tough,” the ability to manage work, family and umpiring is essential.
“It’s the hardest part for me, managing work, family and football. I always feel like there is conscious compromise. Ultimately it comes down to time management and making the most of your training windows. I’ve always had a very supportive employer who has given me the flexibility I need to get both jobs done. My wife is an awesome support too, she enables a lot of my training.”
Having umpired for 15 years now Saunders puts his longevity down to his willingness to adapt. He admits that when it comes to running, “what worked for me at 25 doesn’t at 38 and I have adapted. Generally, if you
Saunders during the 2013 AFL Grand Final (Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Media).
can become elite at reading the play, you can offset a bit of your athletic decline as you age.”
“If you want to maximise your potential, learn how to train professionally to get yourself as fit as possible, and then work on your skills closely with your coaches.”
Last year, Saunders got a request from AFLUA President Chris Donlon to join him as his Vice, a role that he says he’s found gratifying and worthwhile.
“Chris Donlon gave me a call and thought I could be a good fit. Initially I was flattered but I thought about it and wanted to be involved.”
“The AFLUA has always been something I cared about and I wanted to give something back in that capacity. Since I have been involved more closely, I have found it extremely rewarding and it’s further cemented my belief in the AFLUA and the positive role it plays in umpiring.”
Congratulations Michael on becoming just the 20th boundary umpire to reach the treble ton, and for your continued hard work and dedication to the association.
Article by Jackson Kerr