In September 2014, the respective VFL Coaches announced the finals panels. And while many were celebrating and congratulating, one name was absent from the field umpire final 12. Daniel Butcher.

Butcher, who has officiated in 48 VFL Games, didn’t sulk or blame others, he immediately went to his head Coach; Cameron Nash, and simply asked, ‘what can I do to give myself a chance of getting a final next season?’

“Disappointments will happen in life and it comes down to how you handle them” Butcher told vfua.net. “Coming back into the pre season with the right attitude and to get as fit as possible was the best way to go about it and with three of our grand final umpires gaining promotion to the AFL, I knew there would be opportunities”.

Butcher during the 2015 Grand Final

Butcher, originally from Echuca, has a very tight knit family by his side who are his biggest supporters. “They help drive me towards my goals and keep me on track” Butcher said. “The support they have given me shouldn’t go unrecognized in my pathway”. Personally Butcher is a very driven and embraces the challenges that get thrown up and while chasing his goals of a senior final, he always had the team in mind. “I always try to put my best foot forward on and off the field to get the best result my team as well as myself”. 

When Butcher was announced to be umpiring in the opening round of the VFL Season, he started to gain the belief and confidence in himself that he was capable at the VFL Level. “Getting the call up to umpire the opening round really gave me confidence. I never expected to go as far as I did (in the season), I just worked away one week at a time to give myself the best opportunity”.

Not only did Butcher achieve his goal of running in a VFL Senior Final, he went on to have an immaculate finals series and landed himself a spot in the VFL Grand Final, the same week he was announced as the Field Umpire of the Year. Butcher credits his turnaround in form and fortunes to not only him family, friends and coaches, but also to fitness coach and close friend Kym Brockhoff.

Butcher enjoying himself on Grand Final Day

“I have also had the perception on field of just loafing around and not working as hard as I actually do. I really wanted to get my body stronger and improve my strength and Kym played a huge role in helping me do this. I knew there would be big opportunities during the 2015 season and I wanted to be the guy who took the opportunities and not sit and wait for it to happen for me”.

Daniel’s achievement is even more remarkable in that he also served as VFUA President during the year. Daniel’s year as President was a busy one with a number of workplace issues requiring attention. He also oversaw the introduction of a more targeted social program which resulted in increased member engagement and attendance at social functions.

Once the season ended, Butcher was invited to attend the AFL Combine for a spot on the 2016 umpiring panel. However, after a gruelling 3 day camp, only one spot was up for grabs which went the way of another. However, in December the call came through from Hayden Kennedy, head coach of the AFL Field Umpires, who offered Daniel a rookie contract to which Butcher excitedly accepted. 

Butcher is training one night a week with AFL working closely with Michael Jennings and is now looking to take as much away from his AFL experience as possible; “I just want to learn and take advantage of the fantastic resources they have down at the AFL as well as be around the elite umpires in the country”. 

Looking forward to the 2016 season, Butcher wants to continue to build on the culture he helped instil during his time as VFUA President in 2015 as well as enjoy an injury free and enjoyable 2016 season.

Daniel Butcher has umpired 48 VFL Games, including the 2015 VFL Grand Final and was VFUA President in 2015.

Story compiled by Tim Carlos for vfua.net