It was great to see all of the umpires walking onto the MCG yesterday in beanies supporting the big freeze event. Chris Kamolins officiated at the toss still wearing his in support of this magnificent fund raiser. Many of our older members will remember only too well VFL field umpire, Ian Coates being cut down by this “beast” in his umpiring prime. Ian umpired 94 matches including 4 finals between 1968 and 1973 when he was forced to retire because of this disease. He went on to coach young developing umpires for many years until he succumbed to the disease.
Fiona McBurney participant this week, Peter Cooney relished the opportunity to get onto the G on Saturday. Peter, a footy tragic has Adelaide as his 4th team. He was over the moon meeting Tom Lynch before the game. See our video later in the week.
Milestones aplenty this weekend. Congratulations to both Chris Gordon and Luke Farmer for achieving the 150 game mark. Chris umpired the Essendon v Geelong game at Etihad Stadium, while Luke Farmer traveled from his native Perth for the Carlton v Adelaide match.
Nick Foot and Callum Brown notched their first milestone of 50 games. Nick umpired in the Essendon v Geelong match, while Callum was able to stay at home for the Fremantle v Richmond clash on Friday night.
While talking about milestones, Eleni Glouftsis made her VFL senior debut in the Werribee v Richmond match on Saturday. Her pathway coach, Stephen McBurney was very encouraged by her performance. It was interesting to stand in the large crowd at Werribee on Saturday with nobody making any comment or even realising that a woman was umpiring the game.
Assistant goal umpires coach, Rod Davies had a very good trip to Alice Springs a week or so ago. Rumour had it that he took a little extra cash home from the casino – after the game of course.
As we commence the bye rounds we can look back over the first 10 weeks and note, three of the four newly listed field umpires have debuted with Brent Wallace close. As have two of the three newly listed boundaries with only the injured Jordan Andrews to come. Both newly listed goal umpires, Steve Piperno and Brodie Kenny-Bell have also debuted.
Adam Coote must be close to a return from injury after spending the last few weeks in the VFL getting important match fitness. WA boundary umpire Jace Collingridge cannot take a trick at the moment. He has been unable to umpire this season due to a serious back injury and now finds himself in hospital with an infection. We wish Jace well with his recovery. Victorian boundary umpire Chris Roberts has a fractured foot and is rehabilitating at home in Warragul. Robbo is finding it very tough at the moment because he is unable to work as a result of the fracture. He is a builder.
Photo: Umpires supporting the big freeze at the Queens Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood
