It would be hard pressed to find a better description of Matt Mahoney’s character than his farewell training session at the 2024 VFUA Mini Olympics. It would have been easy to take things easy but that is not in Matt’s character. Instead, he outlasted all other squads in the push up challenge (with over 50 consecutive pushups) helping lead the Senior Field Squad to a memorable victory of the Paul Anderson Memorial Shield.

This hard work and persistence is something that typified Matt. Matt began umpiring in the SMJFL/SFNL before trialling and gaining a spot on the VFL Development Squad in 2017. He worked really hard for the next few years on the development squad before being elevated to the senior squad in 2021. This was not the end of the hard work as it took Matt until Round 11 in 2021 to make his debut in the VFL. A seemingly unspectacular game between Box Hill and Ansley turned into something a bit more when Josh Ball collided with Ned Reeves leading to Talbo and Matt running a two umpire system. More impressively was that the Ainslie  coach coming into the umpiring rooms post game and congratulating the umpires on their excellent performance. This turned out to be Matt’s only senior game for the season.

Fast forward to 2022 and a breakout season for Matt. He became a regular senior umpire and umpired every round which was a terrific achievement. His work ethic and constant want to get better was evident to the entire squad and the coaches. This continued for the next two seasons with Matt going from umpiring one VFL game in his first season to umpiring 56 in his next three seasons.

Matt has always personified the values that our Senior Field Squad expects of all umpires. He has always been a standout at training in terms of his own performance but also motivating others to get the best out of themselves. There was never any doubt as to his physical conditioning whether this be for umpiring, one of his ridiculous open water swims or even to make the rest of the squad look silly at MSAC. Probably the area that was most impressive for Matt was his accountability. He worked tirelessly to improve his areas for improvement with his reviews being extremely honest and was even prepared to present on his learnings as a way of developing himself. Matt was also a great mate/teammate for the senior squad. He would be one of the first to check in if someone has had a tough week or missed a training session.

Whilst Matt’s work on the field was impressive he will also leave a significant legacy for his work off the field with the VFUA. He first got involved in 2018 as the Development field track rep. He stepped up to be vice president in 2019 and took over during the year as President from Talbo. One of his first pieces of work was to complete a review of umpire payments over a number of years resulting in numerous umpires being back paid. Matt’s negotiating skills were also critical in signing a landmark fees and conditions agreement with the AFL in March 2020. This agreement recognised VFL umpires as part-time employees of the AFL which proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. All VFL listed umpires were entitled to Job Keeper payments which was a tremendous result for the umpiring group. For someone so young, Matt’s achievements as the VFUA President were quite remarkable and something he should be incredibly proud of. He was deservedly awarded the John Russo Trophy in 2022 for his contribution to the VFUA both on and off the field. Despite taking a step back from the VFUA in the past couple of seasons he has still contributed significantly as treasurer and ensuring that the UA remains in a sound financial position for years to come.

Matt’s story is one of someone who dedicated themselves to getting the absolute best out of themselves. Going from someone who was happy to umpire one VFL match to become a staple for three consecutive years is something to be proud of. He will leave a legacy as one of the people that you loved having around as a teammate with his positive outlook on umpiring and care for other umpires at the VFL. His work off the field has gone a long way to setting the fees and conditions to the place they are today and building a positive relationship with the AFL. Matt’s work has and will benefit the UA and umpires in the VFL for many years to come. A great person on and off the field who has made a significant contribution to the VFL and VFUA.