Here are a few stats that will take your breath away.
My next “Where Are They Now” subject is Phil J. Watson (Heritage Goal 203), who has officiated for 60 years in football across all disciplines. Phil began as a boundary umpire with the Sunday Football League, progressed to boundary umpiring in the VFL Reserve Grade, then field umpiring in the Reserve Grade, and later goal umpiring in the VFL Reserves before advancing to AFL goal umpiring. Phil chalked up 78 AFL games before retiring from on-field duties to take on the role of Secretary/Observer with the Southern Football League Umpires under the guidance of Ian Bennett.
After six years in that role, Phil applied for the position of Umpires’ Trainer with the Victorian Football League in 1992. When the League transitioned into the Australian Football League, Phil applied for—and won—the role of Head Trainer & Property Manager. Today, after 33 years, he is still “rubbing umpires up the wrong way”… only joking, of course. Every Tuesday and Thursday night, as well as at several games on the weekend (including AFLW), Phil carries out his role as Head Trainer, ensuring every umpire is looked after—particularly with massage and other medical needs—keeping pace not only with changes in sports medicine, but also the specific demands of umpiring.
Phil’s AFL goal umpiring career highlights include officiating in the 1988 National Panasonic Cup Grand Final alongside Bill Pryde, where Hawthorn (10.10) defeated Geelong (9.13). At the end of 1988, the League played two exhibition matches in Toronto, Canada, and Miami, USA, and Phil was appointed to both—an unforgettable thrill. In 1991, Phil was the emergency goal umpire for the only AFL Grand Final held at Waverley Park, where Hawthorn (20.19) defeated West Coast Eagles (13.8). In those days, goal umpires had to rely solely on their own judgement—no score reviews like today. Another highlight Phil recalls was his first AFL game at VFL Park, where Carlton (18.16) defeated Fitzroy (19.9), partnered on the day with Robert Gilham.
Born on 19 October 1954 at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Carlton to Ron and Elsie Watson, Phil and his sister Marlene lived in several suburbs during their childhood, including Middle Park, Albert Park, and Port Melbourne. In 1960, Phil attended Middle Park Primary School, before moving on to South Melbourne Technical School in 1966. There, he studied Mechanical Engineering and later applied for a position with Repco in 1972, where he worked for nine years.
While attending technical school, Phil played football with the Port Melbourne Colts Under 12s and Under 14s. During the summer months, he played cricket with Middle Park Cricket Club (VJCA), winning two premierships. Phil was later invited to join South Melbourne District Cricket Club, representing the club in the 4ths and the Dowling Shield (VCA). It was around this time that umpiring took over, and Phil stepped away from both sports.
In 1967, Phil went along to watch his father Ron, who was a goal umpire in the Sunday Metropolitan League. As fate would have it, a boundary umpire failed to turn up. Ron suggested Phil give it a go—and he loved it, never looking back. Phil officiated in the Sunday League for two seasons. After seeing an advertisement in The Sporting Globe over the summer, Phil applied to umpire with the VFL Reserve Grade. Following an interview at Harrison House with Jack Irving and Frank Leverett, he officially began his VFLRG umpiring career in 1969.
Phil ran the boundary in the Reserve Grade for 15 years, during which time he officiated in seven Federal League Grand Finals, along with many other competitions. He also represented the Reserve Grade Umpires Association on the executive committee for six years, and in 1993 received Honorary Life Membership of the VFLRG Umpires Association.
In 1982, Phil decided to try his hand as a field umpire and applied to join the newly formed Cadet Squad. He officiated as a field umpire for two years, but by the end of 1983 felt he was unlikely to advance further in that discipline. He then took on the challenge of goal umpiring, applied to the Reserve Grade, and after one year was promoted to the VFL Senior List.
At the time, training venues included Middle Park, Caulfield, Royal Park, Olympic Park, and the MCG—goal umpires seemingly never had a permanent training base. After 78 AFL games, Phil’s final match was at VFL Park, where West Coast (11.8) defeated Hawthorn (8.12), partnered on the day with the late Gary Best. Phil officiated in the goals in one Elimination Final, two Qualifying Finals, and one Second Semi-Final in the AFL, as well as finals in the Alberton Football League and the Ovens & Murray Football League. Phil recalls no embarrassing moments—always “played a straight bat”—and in 1999 received his Honorary Life Membership of the AFLUA.
At a mate’s family BBQ in 1979, Phil met a lovely lady named Ann. After dating for two years, Phil popped the question, and they married in 1981. Today, after 45 years of marriage, they have two sons, Nathan and Lachlan, and a grandson, Charlie.
Professionally, Phil’s career was also flourishing. In 1981, he applied for a position within the Faculty of Engineering at Swinburne University, where he worked until 2013, taking early retirement. Phil thoroughly enjoyed his time at the University, working with terrific staff and students. In 2002, he also established his own small business, Complete Sports Services, which continues to operate today.
When asked about football today, Phil said he remains heavily involved as both Victorian Head Trainer and AFL Head Trainer, mixing with umpires each week at training and on game day. He still loves the sport and the people involved. A quiet North Melbourne Kangaroos supporter, Phil enjoys a game of golf, walking his Border Collie Kobe, travelling in the caravan, and—when possible—heading overseas. When not attending AFL appointments, Phil can often be found at his local club, the Boronia Hawks in the Eastern Football League, where his two sons and daughter-in-law are involved.
Phil reflected that when he umpired, officials were under intense scrutiny even before the widespread use of video reviews. He noted the contrast with today’s game, where every decision is meticulously examined by cameras and review systems, and admitted he would not want to umpire in the modern era due to the level of scrutiny.
A true umpire’s man—good luck looking after the umpires.
Graeme “Wizzer” Fellows