There is a famous statement that – when the going gets tough, the tough get going – this certainly applies to Anton Lewis who last week umpired his 300th Premier Division Game in the AFL Sydney competition.
This achievement alone is significant but it is does not include the many games Anton officiated early in his career in regional South Australia and in the South Australian National Football League which he joined in 1987.
Anton has been umpiring since 1985 and moved to the AFL Sydney competition in 1994 for work reasons.
It has been in the Sydney competition that Anton’s umpiring career has really developed; culminating in being appointed to the AFL list in 1996 and umpiring seven games at the highest level. On his journey, Anton has also umpired with a number of notable people including: Rowan Sawers, Peter Carey, Darren Goldspink, David Howlett, Scott McLaren, Mark Nash, Gavin Dore and Hayden Kennedy.
He attributes much of his success and longevity to his commitment to fitness and to the advice and support of his coaches and mentors over the years; in particular Keith Ogston, Bill Deller, David Levens (AFL) and Peter Mead (SA).
Not surprisingly, Anton has many highlights but noted umpiring on the MCG and umpiring the 2005 NSW/ACT vs VFL State of Origin as standouts. When asked to comment on something he will never forget, Anton will never forget walking onto the MCG for Round 1 1997, the roar of the crowd for the first bounce and hearing the ‘Yellow and Black’ theme song at the end of the game – “it makes your hair stand up on the back of your neck”, Anton says.
To young umpires, Anton offers the following advice: “know the rules”, “be prepared to take advice and constructive criticism from coaches”, “maintain a strong work ethic on the training track” and “have a thick skin”.
Anton has been a stalwart of the AFL Sydney Umpires | NSWAFUA over many years and has dedicated himself to a number of positions, culminating in being voted President in 2007 – a position he held for 3 years.
During the many years service that Anton has given to the Association he has remained a strong advocate for umpire welfare and the conditions under which they are employed and managed.
The AFL Sydney Umpires | NSWAFUA congratulates Anton on his wonderful achievement and wishes him well for the future.
