Brian Crockett was an association stalwart. Until his ill health earlier this year he was a regular attendee at our X Umpires luncheons at Mornington and more recently Caulfield. He always attended our Past President’s luncheons and was a great supporter of our umpiring family.
Brian became a Life Member of the VFLUA in 1979. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1980 for his services to the Association and more recently was a member of the AFLUA Century History Publication Sub-committee. Brian was one of the first inductees in the inaugural AFLUA Hall of Fame in 2008.
Brian grew up in country Victoria in various places including Heyfield, Maffra and Sale. He played football for the Sale Football Club in the LaTrobe Valley, playing in the reserves premiership in 1956 and two senior premierships in 1957 and ’59. He moved on to play with Carrum in the Mornington Peninsula League and Kooweerup Football Club in the West Gippsland Football League. Brian also pursued his interests in tennis, golf and cricket.
Brian began umpiring in 1966 with the VFL Reserve Grade until his elevation to the VFL Senior Panel in 1969 until his retirement in 1980. Brian umpired 224 VCFL matches including 8 grand finals during his career.
He was a member of the Social Committee in 1972-73, he joined the Executive Committee in 1975 and held the Vice Presidency of the VFLUA in 1996-’77, becoming President in 1978. Brian then stepped into the role as Social Secretary between 1979 and 1980.
Upon retiring from VFL football in 1980 he took on the role as a VFL Observer between 1981 and 1986. He then went to assist Southern Umpires, also as an observer between 1988 and 1992.
Brian passed away on Thursday June 6 surrounded by his wife Anne and family.