One of the most experienced and celebrated field umpire Shaun Ryan has announced his retirement following the 2020 AFL finals series.
Shaun began his career in 2003 and has since umpired 346 AFL games including 38 finals and 8 AFL grand finals. He has been the recipient of one of the Association’s highest honours – the Bishop Shield in 2005, 2018 and 2019, was awarded All-Australian Field Umpire in 2010 and 2019 and is a life member of both the AFL and AFLUA.
One thing that makes his career even more impressive is Shaun retired at the end of the 2011 season only to return refreshed and raring to go in 2015. He obviously hadn’t lost his touch as he umpired a further 3 AFL grand finals in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
A strong leader amongst the group, Shaun has been a major contributor to association affairs through his wise counsel on CBA matters and umpiring issues in general.
A more formal celebration will occur at a later date to acknowledge Shaun’s outstanding career.