Not everyone fulfils the destiny that seems to be laid out in front of them. This may be because we can only control so much, or perhaps because what seemed our destiny was, in fact, not.
Matthew Dervan, having only recently turned 20, two weeks ago partly fulfilled his destiny. That phone call came from AFL goal umpire coach Steve Stirling, relaying the news that he was being offered a contract. The VFUA certainly congratulates him and will miss him next season. And while the news certainly got Matt “pretty excited, thrilled”, on further acquaintance with Matt’s umpiring journey it is hard to imagine any other outcome.
Matt’s father played football for South Melbourne, and his mother was a professional tennis player. His two sisters both played representative basketball. It is fair to say sport is the family culture. Tall and athletic, Matt tried his hand at footy, cricket, tennis, swimming and basketball, no doubt excelling at them all. How then did he end up a goal umpire?
Late into a season of under-14s footy, Matt injured his patella tendon. Knowing the seriousness of this sort of injury – “it’s not like a month out and you’re back into it” – he considered his future and decided to opt for something less physically risky.
But this turn of events alone is no notion of destiny. Matt’s goal umpiring career was nurtured from a very young age, having spent countless hours at the cricket club at which his father is a life member, Williamstown CYMS, in the company of some other club notables in David Flegg and Rod Davies, who are also VFUA Life Members. He would pester Fleggy especially about his umpiring experiences.
Matt emphasises his parents were incredibly supportive of all his sporting interests growing up, without putting any pressure on him to pursue one particular sport. “They left the choices up to me, but I always know they’ll support what I choose 100%. Young kids need to be able to choose for themselves, get used to doing things for themselves, and hopefully have your parents support you and nurture you through whatever you decide to do.”
Having chosen goal umpiring, Matt showed he was a natural. His three years with the VFUA showcases an array of achievements. He knows he needs to now step up again. “It’s definitely going to be a big increase in intensity, both in training and in games. More scrutiny. More pressure. You have to commit more of your time to umpiring.” But he believes he is well placed to handle the expectations. “I’ve got distractions out of football though. I like being busy. Outside of football I’ve got university and work.”
Additionally, Matt paid tribute to the improving ties between the VFL and AFL squads. “The good thing about developing the relationship with the AFL is that I know everyone on the AFL (goal umpire) list already. It’s not like I’m going to walk in not knowing anyone. That’s been the best thing about us going to AFL training and the AFL coming to VFL training.”
While almost every umpire at this level dreams of being selected for AFL footy, there’s no doubt Matt will miss state league footy – or, more specifically, the people involved in it. “I’m going to miss the people. I get along with everyone. I’m going to miss the people that have helped me get to where I am now, the laughs we had, the camaraderie we shared, the stories we told.” And one other thing – “the bouncing competition!”
Matthew Dervan
44 VFL Matches, 18 Development League matches, 13 TAC Cup Matches
2013 TAC Cup Grand Final (em)
2013 Frank Leverett Shield
2014 VFL Grand Final
2015 VFL Grand Final
2014 Goal Umpire of the Year