My 46th “Where Are They Now?” profile features Ian Wallace, a dedicated and well-travelled umpire whose career spanned multiple states – Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. Ian also served in advisory and observer roles in Queensland, Sydney, the Diamond Valley Football League, and the VFA. Reflecting on his time officiating in Queensland and New South Wales, once seen as “outposts” for Australian Football, he expresses pride in how far umpiring has developed in those states.
Recently, Ian submitted a personal history of his umpiring journey during the 1950s–1980s prompted by a request from the AFL. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon at the opening of the NSW AFL Hall of Fame, remarked, “Our game has a deeper history than many realise,” and said he looked forward to hearing more stories in the years ahead.
Born on 16 May 1936 to Aileen and Jock Wallace at Bethesda Hospital in Richmond, Ian grew up in Preston with his younger brother John, who would go on to play district cricket for South Melbourne. Ian attended East Preston State School in 1941, followed by four years at Preston Technical College. Between 1952 and 1963, he studied part-time for a Mechanical Engineering Diploma at Melbourne Technical College while working as a junior mechanical engineering draftsman at Mindrill P.L.
Ian played junior football with the Preston Scouts in the P.D.J.F.A., forming a close friendship with Ron Barassi. Over the summers, he played cricket for the Preston Baseballers Cricket Club in the Jika competition, captaining the side, winning several premierships, and earning club life membership.
After knee issues curtailed his playing career with Box Hill Adelphians in 1957, Ian joined the newly formed VFL Reserve Grade list in 1958. His first game was Cheltenham v McKinnon in the Federal League, earning
Wallace as a young VFL umpire.
a fee of 1 Pound, 18 Shillings and 8 Pence. Over four years, he umpired 61 matches, including 15 A Grade games and one VFL Under 19s match. He was emergency for Ron Brophy in the 1961 Reserves second semi-final replay (Geelong 10.11 defeated Collingwood 8.8).
In 1962, Ian was promoted to the Senior List alongside 12 others. After a practice match, respected goal umpire Jack Leepulled Ian aside with feedback: “You’re a tall lad and cover the ground well, but run with higher knees and smaller steps to appear faster.” It was clear that athleticism was prioritised—they could teach the umpiring part later.
His first senior appointment was St Arnaud v Boort in the North Central F.L., though all matches that day started late due to a taxi breakdown. In his second season, Ian was appointed to a Wimmera F.L. match amid league concerns about umpiring standards. When a mass fight broke out, Ian reported both teams. The League Secretary, Hank Neil, objected, but the decision to dismiss all charges was widely reported, even internationally. Ian was praised by Umpires’ Advisor Harry Clayton, who supported his actions. Mr Clayton said that he had faced the same set of circumstances in a 1941 Reserve Grade Final on the MCG, and that he took the same action as Ian did. He congratulated Ian for doing so.
Ian accepted a position as State Manager with Marweigh Engineering, prompting a family move to Kenmore, Queensland. He was appointed QAFL Umpires Advisor, earning £50 annually plus £100 for expenses. With only 55 umpires (30 field, 12 boundary, 13 goal) covering 14 Saturday and 65 Sunday games weekly, the task was immense. With the help of Stan Fisher, Peter Sheales, and Bruce Andrew, and despite a rugby-centric culture, umpire numbers increased by 83% to 87 by 1968. A letter of congratulations from Barassi offered encouragement for Ian’s new challenge.
Ian stepped down as QAFL advisor in 1969 but returned to the field, umpiring 26 QAFL games, including 12 senior matches, over the season. Umpires from Victoria and Queensland often visited each other for end-of-season trips—a tradition fondly remembered.
In 1970, Ian returned to Melbourne as Victorian State Manager for Noyes Bros. and rejoined the VFL umpiring panel. Training under Dick Kidd at Royal Park, his first match back was a practice game at Moorabbin under the watch of Alan Nash. However, work pressure and an ankle injury delayed his season. His comeback game was Koo Wee Rup 15.13 d. Catani 2.9 in the West Gippsland F.L.
Ian’s primary motivation was to earn VFLUA Life Membership, which he did in 1976—though not without drama. In his third qualifying match, he tore a calf muscle and was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital after the game. Despite the injury, he went on to complete another 12 games that season before retiring with his final match in the Ovens & King F.L. (Nth Wangaratta v Milawa at Whorouly).
Career Totals
- VCFL Matches: 178
- VCFL Finals: 10
- VCFL Grand Finals: 1 (Tempy Gorya 11.11 d. Tiega 10.9)
- VFL Reserve Grade: 61
- QAFL Senior Matches: 26
- Total: 276 matches umpired
In 1977, Ian was promoted to National Operations Manager at Noyes Bros., relocating to Dee Why in Sydney. The NSWAFL held off appointing a new Umpires Advisor until interviewing Ian—he accepted and resumed the challenging role. At the time, only 28 field umpires were covering 25 weekly games.
During a match at Trumper Park, Ian’s wife Margaret, then 7.5 months pregnant, was verbally and physically assaulted by spectators. St George Football Club was fined $3,000. That year, Ian introduced a two-umpire system for senior matches and remained as NSWAFL Advisor until 1984.
With the Sydney Swans hosting 11 home games at the SCG in 1982, Ian was able to watch his umpires regularly. After the 1984 season, he and Margaret joined 43 fellow VFLUA members and wives on a trip across Asia, a treasured experience.
The family returned to Melbourne in 1985, settling in Moonee Ponds. Ian took on observer roles for the VFA and chaired the Diamond Valley F.L. Umpires Association alongside Roy Groom, though both resigned due to interference in appointments.
In 1989, Ian returned to Brisbane to become General Manager of Noyes Bros. Queensland. While he served briefly as an AFLQ matchday observer, increasing work demands and overseas travel limited his availability. After 35 years in umpiring, Ian retired from official involvement—though he still attends AFLUA and AFLQUA life member functions.
Ian’s professional life saw him travel extensively across the USA, UK, Thailand, Japan (17 times), and many other destinations. He and Margaret have four children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Since 1992, Ian has been deeply involved in harness racing as an owner and as Secretary of the Breeders, Owners, Trainers and Reins-persons Association, a role he held until 2010.
Following open-heart surgery in 2022, Ian was encouraged to remain active and now walks and golfs regularly, clocking up over 2,000km last year! When last contacted, he and his family were cleaning up after Cyclone Alfred.
Congratulations, Ian, on a remarkable career in umpiring and beyond. Best wishes for continued health and happiness.
Graeme ‘Wizzer’ Fellows
