Our final X-Umpires luncheon of the year saw a predictably strong turnout, with some from as far as Sydney and Albury sought to make use of the AFLUA’s celebratory Christmas bar tab. Around 40 past VFL, VFA and AFL umpires gathered at the Caulfield Glasshouse. This time, the interviewee was Roy Ferguson (Heritage number 172), who, from 1978 to 1987 umpired 134 games, including four finals. Roy shared anecdotes from his time behind the posts, detailing the extreme fitness programmes goal umpires were subject to… and how he bludged them. Another highlight was his story about the time a heckler got a deserved comeuppance when his antics backfired.
CEO Rob Kerr also took the opportunity to present X-Umpires Coordinator Terry O’Donnell with a gift to thank him for his tireless efforts in organising these events. Terry’s efforts mean a great deal to the association, and its members. Always prompt, organised, and efficient when working with the UA, he is a true umpires’ man, remarkably still taking the field to umpire. Thank you Terry.
Whilst our luncheons have concluded for 2023, Terry has already published the dates for our 2024 luncheons. They are as follows:
1st February 2024
14 March 2024
18 April 2024 (Country trip)
16 May 2024
27 June 2024
8 August 2024
19 September 2024
31 October 2024
5 December 2024
Additionally, the next golf day is to be held at Latrobe Golf Club on Monday 4th March 2024. We hope to see many join us there for a fun day.
Thanks to all those that attended the luncheon, they continue to be an enjoyable experience for members and staff alike.
A selection of photos from the day is available below.
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Article by Jackson Kerr