Brodie Kenny-Bell becomes the 340th goal umpire to debut in the VFL/AFL. Brodie officiated in the Sydney v GWS game at the SCG. Talking to Brodie today he was still on cloud nine and said that his family and friends traveled over from South Australia to make the day even more special.
Recently retired boundary umpire Luke Roberts was in Italy for a family holiday when things were suddenly interrupted. Luke has just been appointed as the Sports Co-Ordinator at the European Training Centre for the AIS in Gavirate, Italy. The position is for two years full. Luke will be back in Australia shortly to arrange work visas.
Field umpire Leigh Fisher officiated at the MCG last Friday night and commentators made much of a discussion he had with his former team mate and St Kilda namesake Sam Fisher. One channel seven commentator was even moved to say “Sam was a guest at Leigh’s wedding earlier in the year.” I wonder how former Essendon player, Russell Blew got on when he was umpired by his brother Don in the 1960’s?
It was good to see some umpires back after pre-season injuries that had curtailed them. Jason Venkataya had a hot spot develop in his foot and spent some weeks in a “moon boot” before coming back through the later NAB Challenge matches. Chris Kamolins was in the VFL for the second week in a row following his recovery from a calf injury which means he must be close for a recall.