The annual VFUA Life Member’s dinner was held on Sunday night May 17th at the Mail Exchange Hotel on Bourke Street.

The evening began with a casual feel about it, with old mates bantering on, some who probably haven’t seen each other since last year’s Member’s dinner. It was great to see so many familiar faces, as well as a few new ones, and it is really quite astonishing how so many of these ladies and men still have such a huge influence on the VFL/AFL competition. Whether it be running umpires, observers, coaches or trainers, the vast majority (if not all) still play a pivotal role in the VFL or local league competitions. It really goes to show the commitment and quality required in a person to become a VFUA Life Member.

Once seated, VFUA president Daniel Butcher began formalities by welcoming everyone to the event. A quick break for entree before the main event of the night: the induction of Anthony Hunter as Life Member. Luke White read out the inspirational nomination, which was followed by a 10 minute video presentation by some of Anthony’s friends and colleagues from the boundary squad, a touching tribute to his life and time with the VFUA. Some extracts from Anthony’s nomination are as follows:

Anthony Hunter was a VFL umpire between 2003 and 2012 and umpired 115 games, 73 as a field umpire and 42 as a boundary umpire, including 20 senior matches and 3 TAC Cup finals. He was a VFUA member throughout the duration of his time as an umpire and served on the Executive in 2012 as Boundary Umpire Track Representative and in 2013 as Special Projects Officer.

Anthony was an extremely valuable member of the VFUA Executive regardless of the various roles he held. He had a wonderful understanding of the Association, an unrivalled passion for the welfare of umpires with the enthusiasm, motivation and work ethic to do something about it.
He was so well respected amongst the group that not only peers looked up to him as a mentor, but even coaches sought his advice.

On the night of Friday 12 April 2013, Anthony was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident, sending shockwaves through the umpiring group. At the time of his passing, he was an employee of AFL Victoria, a member of the VFUA Executive and a dear and loved friend of so many, his absence still leaves a gaping hole in the umpiring community. Anthony’s service and contribution to the VFUA make Honorary Life Membership an extremely fitting and well deserved tribute.

Anthony’s brothers, Max and Ben, accepted the award on behalf of Anthony and his family, who we thank for being in attendance. A fitting toast followed in recognition of Anthony’s achievement.

Mains and desserts were served and that concluded the formalities of the night. Again, it was fantastic to see so many Life Members in attendance. It was an energetic event which everyone enjoyed and, from all accounts, looks forward to each year. The number of blokes who are still involved in umpiring in one way or another are the reason the umpiring fraternity and the VFUA are such a tight knit group.