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Hank and Lawlor call time on umpiring careers

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Field umpires Tyler Hankinson and Daniel Lawlor announced their retirements during the 2017 pre-season. The two made quite an impression on and off the field in their time at the VFL and will be much missed on the track.


hankinson-tylerAfter 7 seasons, and one last preseason, Tyler Hankinson made the tough call to put away the whistle. ‘The Hank’ has left his own mark on the VFL.

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After back-to-back Division One Grand Finals in the Southern Football League in 2008 & 09, and the SFLUA’s Graeme Bertram Award, Tyler trialled in 2010 and was successful in securing a position on the VFL Development Squad. He spent 3 years on the Development Squad before being promoted on to the VFL Senior Panel. Over the course of the next four years, ‘Hank’ umpired 33 VFL games that would eventually go along with his 56 VFL Development games and 27 TAC Cup games.

hank2‘Hank’s’ greatest impact though, was off the field. He was well known for his Cale Morton smile and larrikin nature, often making jokes at the expense of his fellow teammates. He could give as good as he could take, which made many of the long training nights much more bearable!

Everyone at the VFUA congratulates and wishes Tyler the best for the next chapter of his journey.

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The VFUA was introduced to the Lawlor family back in 1983. 34 years later, we say farewell to the second member of the Lawlor clan, with Daniel calling time on his 6-year career at the end of the 2017 preseason.

Daniel joined a host of fellow former VAFA umpires in the VFL when he was selected in the VFL Development Squad in 2011. He forged his craft in the VFL Development League and TAC Cup for 3 years, before his promotion to the VFL Senior Squad in 2014.

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Daniel spent his summers between football seasons competing in athletics and often made an appearance on the final day of the Stawell Gift, running in the 800m handicap. This was a highlight of Daniel’s running abilities, which aided his umpiring to eventually finish his career with 33 VFL Senior games, 37 VFL Development games and 34 TAC Cup games.

The VFUA would like to congratulate Daniel on his achievements and wish him all the best in life after umpiring.

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It’s a wrap – 2017 Golf Day

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The annual VFUA golf day teed off on Sunday the 23rd of April at the delightful Ivanhoe Golf course. Perfect weather brought the best of abilities out in some but may have left others wondering what could have been with blue sky’s, not a breath of wind and freshly cut grass providing the best of conditions for a strong field of 36 keen golfing fanatics.

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Two man Ambrose was the format for the day and as you can imagine with a bunch of umpires the topic of conversation prior to the first shot was rules, rules and rules!!

9 holes, 3 hours of banter, looking for golf balls and great company awaited and although the ladies markers situated 5m infront of the mens tee on the 1st proved to be a strong feat to carry for some (you know who you are), after a strong tee shot from Tom Chrystie, partner James Davey had ideas of slam dunking their 2nd shot of the day for eagle from 76 meters and made a clear statement to the challenges of their intentions early.

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Unfortunately thats about where it ended for most PGA tour comparisons with more birdies on Aaron Langdon’s shirt, Lachie Harty decided taking 10 minutes to hit every putt gave him the ‘all the gear, no idea’ approach. T-Rips white pants fitted the occasion and former VFUA member Tim Carlos who thought he would come along and caddy for Jack Edwards.

The winners by a half a stroke where Davey/Chrystie from the group of Langdon/Howorth who couldn’t handle the heat in the kitchen and missed a 3m putt on the last for the victory. Shot of the day to James Davey and best clubman undoubtably to Michael Curtis. Despite their recent retirements from umpiring, decision making continued to be an issue for the duo of Hankinson and Lawlor who finished in last place.

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Thank you to all who attended and supported the event. A big thank you to those who helped organise the event in Nick Brown, Andrew Talbot and Kelly Tellam, their efforts in booking spots, advertising and running the day are appreciated and the day could not have been ran so smoothly without assistance. Thank you to Tyler Hankinson also for donating the prizes for the winners.

It’s a wrap – 2017 Bowls Day

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The VFUA ventured to the Flagstaff Gardens’ Melbourne Bowls Club for its 2017 Bowls Day, a chance to kick back in the rare almost football-free space between the AFLW and VFL pre-seasons and the opening of the full-on VFL premiership matches.

About 25 members, family and friends were on hand and upon arrival were greeted by the aroma of the Nick Brown inspired BBQ which went nicely with the Bowls Club bar offerings.

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On the rinks some serious bowls action unfolded with a number of teams actually keeping score while others were simply rolling for fun.

This included VFUA President Michael Curtis’s family whose fascination with shots in play caused an anxious moment or two.

Beside the rinks the talk was football, travel and more football.

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A pleasant Sunday afternoon for all who ventured out. Thanks to Nick for cooking and MBC for the venue and hospitality.

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