Boundary Umpire and AFLUA Vice-President Michael Saunders has called time on his umpiring career, with his final game to be Saturday’s clash between Sydney and Adelaide, a fitting farewell at the SCG for a seminal figure in the development of countless NSW umpires.
Michael’s retirement follows him reaching the 300-game milestone in Round 18 this year, just the 20th boundary umpire to reach the treble ton.
To reach the 300-game milestone is an incredible achievement considering Michael’s umpiring career was temporarily put on hold due to chronic fatigue syndrome, after having umpired two seasons with the VAFA. Following a move to Sydney for a graduate role, Michael re-sparked his umpiring journey in NSW wanting to make new connections and found himself umpiring the Sydney FL grand Final in 2008.
Michael was offered a contract with the AFL in 2009, and just four years later was appointed to the 2013 Grand Final, the pinnacle of umpiring.
Beyond the Grand Final, a prelim in 2016 between the Bulldogs and GWS sticks out as a highlight game for Michael.
“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.”
Across his 15 years on the AFL list Michael has umpired 18 finals and was awarded the Murray Williams Shield in 2013. Michael has had to balance work, family and football life and adapt to the elite running requirements, attributing an ability to predict the flow of play better across the years as a key factor in his longevity.
Fellow boundary umpire Daniel Field-Read spoke highly of his teammate, noting that Saunders “epitomised professionalism” and leaves behind a remarkable legacy for elite umpires coming out of NSW.
“His dedication to the craft set the standard that everyone followed. Michael’s genuine care for his colleagues and friends continues today and will resonate throughout the NSW umpiring community for years to come. It was a privilege to umpire with Michael and I’m going to cherish the opportunity to do it one final time.”
It’s not just his professionalism as a boundary umpire that has set Michael apart, but also his contributions to his fellow umpires as Vice-President of the AFLUA.
Matthew Jenkinson, who was also on the boundary for Michael’s 300th game, spoke of “Saundo” as not just a great friend and umpire to share the field with for many years, but also a “strong advocate” for boundary umpires within the AFLUA.
Speaking on the role, Michael said that he has “found it extremely rewarding and it’s further cemented my belief in the AFLUA and the positive role it plays in umpiring.”
He knew retirement was coming after battling consistent injuries over the last few years, noting that “hitting the 300-game milestone this year was the last thing I wanted to achieve”.
Michael said the thing he’ll miss on-field is having “the best seats in the house”, experiencing the “thrill and adrenaline rush” of the unique game of footy unfold right in front of him. Off-field, he’ll miss “the camaraderie of being a part of the umpiring group”.
Now it’s time for Michael to enjoy being able to spend more time with his two young daughters, citing “more Girl-Dad time” as the thing he’s most looking forward to post-umpiring.
Congratulations Michael on your outstanding career and service to the Association.
Article by Patrick Sexton