Greg Macdonald umpired VFL matches in Australia and overseas and was co-founder of a goal umpiring institution.
Having begun his umpiring career in the VFL Reserve Grade as a field umpire in 1967, he left the Reserve Grade list at the end of 1969. Upon his return as a goal umpire in 1974, he made the acquaintance of another first-year goal umpire, Leigh Keen. They decided that after the weekly meeting, they would go for a meal at a local Richmond hotel, The Vaucluse.
That weekly meal for two grew over the decades to become attended by sometimes upwards of two dozen VFL/AFL goal umpires. It was a learning forum for younger umpires and a space where friendships were formed and strengthened over many years. At its peak, Vaucluse members often formed two of the three VFL/AFL grand final appointments. It is an enduring legacy of both Greg and Leigh.
Ronald Gregory Macdonald was born 21 October 1943 in Lilydale and grew up there. Known as Greg throughout his umpiring career, he played football for Lilydale Football Club in the Yarra Valley Football League before taking up umpiring, aged twenty-three.
His stint as a Reserve Grade goal umpire covered 1974-1978 and culminated with promotion to the VFL senior list following his appointment to the 1978 VFL Reserve Grade Grand Final.
Greg made his VFL debut on 14 April 1979 at Princes Park in the Hawthorn versus Collingwood match, earning him Heritage No. 174. Three seasons later, he would umpire the same two teams at VFL Park in Round 11, 1981 in front of the largest attendance ever at Waverley – 92,935.
Hawthorn also featured in his first final, the 1982 first semi. The following season’s highlights included another VFL final and the 1983 Night Series Grand Final between Carlton and Richmond.
By the end of 1985, Greg had accumulated 110 VFL matches but at pre-season training in 1986 severely damaged his Achilles tendon. Attempting to continue umpiring, despite being injured, he umpired a Reserves match on 31 March, and then two Under 19s matches on 26 April and 10 May. However, he succumbed to the injury and did not umpire for the rest of the year. As there was no improvement by the end of the 1986 season, Greg reluctantly retired and took up the role of goal umpires’ observer in 1987.
His injury improved during the year so much so, that he applied to the VFL in August to resume goal umpiring in the 1988 season. His application was successful.
His return to senior football in 1988 was in a year when goal umpires were rotated regularly between the three grades of the VFL competition, similarly his final year of 1989 leading to his final match, the Essendon v. Geelong qualifying final. Fittingly, Greg’s partner on the day was Leigh Keen.
After the season, Leigh and Greg embarked on a VFL exhibition tour. They umpired Geelong v. Melbourne at the Skydome, Toronto, then followed the tour to London to be present for the final played at The Oval, Leigh on the field, Greg on the bench as emergency.
Greg Macdonald umpired 129 VFL matches including 3 finals. He was awarded VFLUA life membership in 1989. For three years in retirement, he was an AFL goal umpire observer providing assessment and feedback to senior goal umpires.
Diagnosed with cancer some 20 years ago, Greg fought bravely with a number of health issues over the ensuing years but finally lost the battle and passed away 8 May 2025.
Leigh recalls, “Greg was a quietly spoken, mild mannered gentleman. He was the consummate professional. As with everything in his life, he was meticulous in preparation and delivery. He was a ‘no fuss’ goal umpire with a touch of class. Underrated in my view. Greg was also a treasured and devoted friend for more than 50 years. I will miss him dearly.”
Vale Greg Macdonald
Greg’s funeral will be held at Heritage and Heritage Funerals, 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna at 10.30am on Wednesday 21 May.