Goal umpire, Matt Dervan became the 341st goal umpire to officiate in a VFL/AFL game when he took to the field in the Essendon v Melbourne match at the MCG. Matt’s parents were in the crowd to witness his AFL debut as was his VAFA mentor and ex AFL goal umpire, Clayton Evans. There was a large contingent of goal umpires who arrived at the G to support a very nervous, yet excited Matt. When we caught up with Matt today he described his experience as “awesome.”
All AFL umpires wore black arm bands in Sunday’s matches as a mark of respect for life member and ex VFL umpire, Greg Sidebottom who passed away on Saturday umpiring a game in Ardmona. Greg suffered a heart attack and could not be revived. He was 61 years old. (For more on Greg’s career see the website article about him)
Boundary umpire Dan Field Read like Chris Esler and Chris Roberts can’t take a trick at the moment. Dan was participating in a personal training session when he over balanced and fell breaking his left wrist. Dan is hopeful of being able to umpire this coming week if he can get an approved device to protect his wrist.
Goal umpire, David Dixon equaled the games record for a VFL/AFL goal umpire on the weekend when he officiated in his 337th game. If selected this weekend he will surpass David Flegg’s record. (Read more about Dicko’s career later in the week)
Congratulations to two time grand final umpire Adam Wojcik who umpired his 150th AFL game on Friday night.