Sixteen years on from his first game in 2001, Scott “Rove” Jeffery umpired his 300th AFL match becoming the 40th umpire (20th field umpire) to achieve that milestone. Scott has been a model of consistency during his time on the list with the exception of the odd niggling calf injury. His two good mates, Justin Schmitt (320 games) and Chris Kamolins (182 games) were there to share the game with him. Scott has “seen it and done it” all over those years. Two overseas exhibition games in London and Shanghai, four NAB Cup grand finals, AFLUA president and currently part of the AFLUD leadership group, Scott has stood up to be counted. Congratulations on a great milestone Scott (see the website later this week for Scott’s view of his time on the list.
Troy Pannell has endured a season ending injury when he was contacted by players at the opening bounce in the Brisbane v GWS game on Sunday. Troy was knocked to the ground and put his hand out to break the fall, breaking his hand.
There have been many umpires over the years who have had the opportunity to meet many celebrities for the toss of the coin or ceremonially handing over the ball but has anyone been as important as American Vice President, Joe Biden? The umpires at the Carlton v WCE match certainly got to meet him up front when he handed Matt Stevic the ball as they walked onto the field.
We bid farewell to two good men of football and umpiring durning the week. Eighty-seven year old, Jim Brewer umpired 27 VFL games between 1962-67. He is a life member of the association having been on the list between 1958 and 1968. Our other life member to pass away was Ken Quinn. Ken was 71. He umpired 83 VFL games between 1974 and 1981. Ken served on the social committee, was assistant secretary, and then secretary in his 13 years on the list.
Emily Woodward, our FM MDE participant had been briefed by emergency field umpire Chris Donlon just in case US Vice President, Joe Biden was thirsty while he was out on the ground prior to the game and was looking for a drink. Unfortunately the plan failed to materialise.
Ray Chamberlain can’t take a trick at the moment and has been kept out of the action for the past two weeks with an achilles injury. Jeff Dalgleish fell ill and was replaced by Brent Wallace. It is the second time in three weeks that Brent has come off the “bench” and into two great games following injury and illness to the selected umpire. The last time was in the St.Kilda v Geelong game this time he went to Adelaide for the Crows v Pies fixture.