VFUA: Michael, thank you so much for sitting down with me and having a chat, I know you’re a busy man!

Michael: Anytime mate, always have time for a quick chat.

VFUA: Firstly, I would love to hear about your umpiring background, how you became involved?

Michael: After playing footy for 7 years as a junior, I decided I was too small to play under 18’s so took up umpiring to stay involved in footy. I first umpired in the Dandenong Juniors and later also began in the Seniors at EFL where I umpired for 3 years before joining the VFL. Once on the VFL, I was on the development squad for 1 year before making the jump to the senior squad where I have been for the past 6 years. In that time I have umpired 115 senior games, had the honour of running 3 TAC Cup Grand Finals, 1 Reserves Grand Final and more recently 2 Senior Preliminary Finals. I think though, the best part of the journey so far has been umpiring with some of the best blokes around, it has made the journey so much more enjoyable and I have definitely made some lifelong friends along the way.

VFUA: As we know, you’ve been involved on an executive level for a couple of years now, what prompted a change in involvement for you this season?

Michael: I have always wanted to step up to the president role and with the opportunity arising at the end of last year I took the opportunity. Through my involvement in the VFUA, you really get a detailed understanding of how much goes on behind the scenes. We have such a strong association which only continues to grow stronger. Also, with the number of issues we have faced over the last 12 months, I really felt I wanted to help as much as I could.

VFUA: How have you found the role so far & what will be your main goal leading into the beginning of the season and how will you approach it?

Michael:  It has been great so far. The VFUA is as strong as ever. We have a great team on the executive and our members seem to be as engaged as ever.  It has been a busy couple of months so far in setting the executive up for 2016 whilst also dealing with a number of off-field issues but the challenge has been really enjoyable. I have been particularly impressed with the number of umpires who have been willing to put their hand up to help out and serve on behalf of their colleagues. 

However, the VFUA is only as strong as its membership base so l will be enacting a number of new initiatives this year to further build the culture of the VFUA. These include Leadership, Communication and Inclusiveness. I want to bring all disciplines together on a more regular basis, increase and strengthen communication with individual members, with and between squads, and with AFL Victoria.

VFUA: Can you outline a couple of key areas you will be looking to improve the association for the upcoming season?

Michael: As noted above, l want to focus on our culture through Leadership, Communication and Inclusiveness.  We now have a strong executive team in place to provide leadership to the VFUA during what will be a busy and challenging year.  In addition to normal service delivery, the VFUA will be developing a new employment agreement to replace the current one which expires at the end of 2016. I will be driving improved communication across all levels and making sure track representatives are engaged with all members of their squads.  And l  believe by having a varied and well organized social and events calendar, we can get members together on a more frequent basis.

VFUA: Well Michael, thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at VFUA.net, any final messages for the members?

MC: Thanks for taking the time Tim, really appreciate it. Final message is to welcome all members for 2016. It is going to be a very exciting year and look forward to connecting with all our members over the year. I want to highlight I am always available for our members so if you have any questions, concerns or just want to chat, I am always available. Enjoy the year!