Peter Matheson or “Matho” as he was known to his mates, was a larger than life figure that began his career on the VFL panel in 1966 until his retirement in 1975. During that time he officiated in 25 VFL matches, 37 reserves games, 156 VCFL games including 11 grand finals. He joined the VFL/AFL field umpires observing panel a position he held between 1976 and 1987.
From an association perspective Matho was involved from the beginning. He was a VFLUA member between 1966 and 1975. He was a member of the social committee in 1968 and the executive committee from 1969-1970 and again in 1975. He was president of the association in 1973. Matho was awarded life membership in 1976 and was awarded a lifetime achievement award in 1976 also. He was inducted into the AFLUA Hall of Fame in 2010. There probably wasn’t an umpires trip to Sydney, Perth, Adelaide or overseas that Peter didn’t have a hand in.
Matho was still active in the association as a regular attendee of our Mornington X men luncheons and as a wise counsel at the past presidents function.
Matho passed away on Sunday June 4. He is survived by his wife Yvonne and their two daughters. Please see Melbourne newspapers for funeral details.
