The comebacks continued from VFL to AFL this week. Simon Meredith and Chris Kamolins were back from long term injury and illness. Both of these experienced umpires bolstered the ranks and brought a level of experience to the group.
Caught the pre-match comments from a Perth radio station before the start of the Fremantle v. Hawthorn match on Sunday. It is amazing what the commentators focus on! “The umpires today are Findlay, Margetts and Pannell. Pannell won’t bounce in the centre the other two will have to go it alone. He hasn’t bounced one straight in the warm-ups.” Chatting with Troy who confirmed he got 0 from 17 in the warm-up with the newly laid turf in the centre but he had the last laugh when he didn’t miss one in the game! Phew.
A quiet week on the umpiring front was punctured by the sad news that long time TFUA stalwart, Kevin Foot passed away on Sunday. Kevin is the father of current field umpire Nick and was a long time umpire and supporter of the Tasmanian Football Umpires Association. He only relinquished the presidency of the association a couple of months ago. Kevin assumed the presidency when the TFUA started to struggle to exist and service the football in Hobart. He did a remarkable job in the short time he was back. Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends.