The build-up to last weekend’s clash between the Northern Blues and Essendon was refreshingly different to the previous 174 Peter Jackson VFL matches for field umpire Richard Mills.
His 175th senior game saw the 34-year-old awarded life membership of the VFL, and in a sometimes thankless profession, it was a week that Mills savoured.
“There aren’t too many pats on the back when you’re an umpire, but it’s nice to be recognised amongst your peers and the wider VFL community as a servant to a great competition,” he said.
Mills has served the VFL since he cracked the senior umpires’ ranks in 2005 and has gone on to officiate in 14 VFL finals, including three preliminary finals.
Despite not graduating to AFL ranks, Mills said he’s particularly proud of his consistency since beginning his umpiring journey as a teenager.
“I think my strengths are probably my communication and my composure in challenging situations,” he said.
“I’ve always been able to keep a pretty level head, get the right message across and pay the right free kick.
“(Also) my consistency over a period of time; so while I never made it to the top level, I’ve always been towards the top at VFL level.”
AFL Victoria State League Umpiring Manager Cameron Nash praised Mills’ contribution to the VFL.
“Richard is a very respected and admired person within the VFL umpiring group,” Nash said.
“He has also played a major role behind the scenes, having been an active member of the Victorian Football Umpires Association since 2003 and president in 2010 and 2011, while he was also awarded VFUA life membership in 2013.
“Not everyone can make it to the AFL but Richard can be extremely proud of what he has achieved in the VFL; one of his attributes has been to perform at a consistently high level over a long period of time.”
Nash recognised Mills’ efforts in front of his peers at umpire training before last weekend’s match.
Last weekend Mills had his family in attendance for the big game, with the field umpire not used to all the attention.
“It was a fair bit of attention that’s not usually there,” he laughed.
While it was a refreshingly different week, it was great reward for exceptional consistency in the VFL for Mills.
Photo: Shane Goss
Last Modified on 29/05/2015 11:58