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 300^th 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. 

The recipients of the inaugural AFL Sydney Umpires Group l NSWAFUA scholarship positions are:

• Robert Taylor – Boundary
• Gordon MacArthur – Boundary
• Angus McKenzie-Wills – Goal
• Chaperone for the Melbourne experience – Michael Peck

All who were invited to apply – including the above recipients – have every reason to be proud of the recognition for being considered worthy of this program and all have bright futures in umpiring.

Below is the full list of those who were nominated to apply:

• Sam Skinner
• Jayden Cordes
• Mark Hopkins
• Dean Garroway
• Justin Fox
• Aaron Langdon
• Anna Lashko

The written applications from all nominated umpires were of a very high standard, as were their performances at interview.

Michael Peck is a fantastic champion for the Association and has been selected to be the chaperone for the trip. Having him attend as the chaperone actually gives him a broader exposure to umpiring and the coaching of umpiring and will allow him to be an excellent ambassador of the scholarship program. His experience will also ensure the learning’s and knowledge of how the experience plays out practically will be available to build on for next year.
 
Interestingly in the interviews it was great to see the respect the applicants had for the program and what sets it apart from other representative opportunities, not the least of which is that they have been invited to apply and then had to consider how and why they would be a suitable recipient (as opposed to being surprised by an appointment).
 
The people selected are an excellent group as representatives of our group, their maturity and enthusiasm is obvious for all to see in how they approach their umpiring.

The three big ticket items all applicants highlighted as important to them are:

• Opportunity to accompany the coaches on game day
• Mentor for ongoing support
•  Attending training and match de-briefing.