Ben Macdonald is one of three new boundary umpires appointed to the AFL Boundary Umpires’ list for season 2017.
Ben joined the VFL in 2008 after having umpired with the Eastern Football League from 2004-2007. He umpired 150 VFL games and has a number of grand finals to his credit including the 2014 TAC grand final, the VFL Reserves Grand Final in 2011 and 2013 and the VFL grand finals in 2012, 2015 and 2016. He also umpired state games in 2014 and 2016 and was names VFL Boundary of the Year in 2016.
Ben is motivated by his love of the game and being involved. He also loves to challenge himself both mentally and physically with the simple philosophy that you should ‘always enjoy what you do.’
The most influential person on Ben’s career to date has been Matthew Vitiritti, “he’s an amazing coach and there is no way l would be where l am without his help and advice.”
Ben looks to Damien Cusack for inspiration, “I umpired a lot of games with Damien at VFL level and he is just a great story of perseverance. He didn’t always have things go his way, but he kept performing year after year.”
Damien was thrilled to learn of Ben’s promotion, “Ben has worked hard, shown by his three VFL grand finals in the last 5 years. You know exactly what you’ll get from Ben every week. He’s very reliable, one of those guys you know will just be in the right spot at the right time.”
Damien was also keen to welcome Ben to the AFL Boundary list, “Ben deserves his chance, and based on his excitement since getting his call up, he’ll be a great addition to the AFL list, both on and off the field.”
Congratulations Ben and we wish you all the best for the year ahead!
Article written by: AFLUA Marketing and Communications Coordinator – Peter Kelly
