Record broken by Ballarat umpire

BALLARAT Football Umpires Association members gathered to celebrate the latest milestone for AFL umpire Shane McInerney.

He officiated his 500th match at the MCG in the game between Richmond and Melbourne on Saturday, 3 August.

McInerney was 16 when he began his umpiring career with BFUA.

“It was fun, enjoyable and a fantastic experience for an excited 16-year-old to join such a welcoming group,” he said.

He is immensely proud and satisfied that he has been able to maintain a level of performance that has allowed him to reach the landmark.

The first of McInerney’s 500 games came in round six of the 1994 season between Carlton and Sydney at Princes Park.

McInerney said he is very appreciative of all the people who have been there along the way.

“Thanks to my supporters, mentors and other umpire teammates, you can’t do it on your own” he said. “However, it is fair to say though that I have done most of the heavy lifting.”

Justin Davey, BFUA Chair, said the board of directors and its members, congratulate McInerney on his tremendous achievements as an AFL umpire.

“I love telling the youngsters, ‘see where you can end up when you start at with the locals,’” he said.