Sport
27 May, 2023
Friends to reach milestones
Two friends from Horsham will be umpiring their milestone game this weekend at Warracknabeal's Anzac Park. AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires Cameron Pickering and Ashley Wright will supervise their combined 1500th game tomorrow when Warrack Eagles meet...
Two friends from Horsham will be umpiring their milestone game this weekend at Warracknabeal's Anzac Park.
AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires Cameron Pickering and Ashley Wright will supervise their combined 1500th game tomorrow when Warrack Eagles meet Stawell Warriors.
Although Cameron began his career in 1995, one year after Ashley, this will be Cameron's 800th and Ashley's 700th game.
They both started umpiring in the junior games.
After becoming close friends while working as umpires, they joined the Jung Tigers and played cricket together.
A 44-year-old umpire Cameron Pickering teaches Physical education at the Holy Trinity Lutheran College full-time. In 2021, he was named 'Umpire Coach of the Year' by AFL Victoria.
Mr Cameron said they decided to share their milestone celebrations.
"We just thought it is pretty unique that our milestones are coming together, So we decided to celebrate 1500 games in total," he said."
"It's an opportunity to reflect on lots of memories.
Mr Cameron said he had experienced highs and lows in his 28-year umpiring career.
"I had a fantastic journey till now, and it's a big part of my identity," he said.
"It's a pathway to remain in the game after suffering significant injuries and being a big foodie as a teenager.
"When the Wimmera League decided to establish another umpiring body, leaving us for four to five years, that was an unfortunate moment in my career.
They forced us to go one way or another with a divide in the group, and at that time, we lost many friendships.
Mr Cameron said he umpired outside Wimmera for a few years, and his family always supported him.
"I've supervised half a season in Bendigo in 2001 and two seasons in North Central 2002, 2003," he said.
"I'll be on par with my son Zac Pickering on the weekend. He's only 10, keen to put his hand up for the game, and will celebrate the milestone with Dad. He will be the boundary umpire in the game over the weekend.
"My wife is very supportive but doesn't like the game as much as I do."
Ashley Wright is a full-time taxi driver and also a sports fanatic. He grew up in Warracknabeal, moved to Horsham in 1994, and started his umpiring career the same year.
Mr Ashley said he experienced many injuries during his career and was not a good footy player.
"I was never a strong footballer. So I gave it away. I went and played golf for a couple of years," he said.
"When I got back, I got involved again in the game as an umpire.
"The downs in the journey are probably injuries for me, especially the last 10 years with many calves and hamstring issues. However, the ups are like when I did my first district league final.
"I supervised the premiership game with Cameron in 2013. I've only done three district Grand Finals."
Mr Ashley said his daughter is now following him, and his time during the Covid phase was relatively easy.
"I was probably lucky that we still played cricket during the Covid time, so that's probably still kept me going," he said.
"My daughter is also involved in the umpiring career, and currently, she's the boundary umpire in U17 games."
Mr Ashley said he had a gap of three years in his umpiring career, but he's not planning to end it soon.
"I was away from 2002 to 2004. I was out at Pimpinio for three years just enjoying myself playing football in the reserves," he said.
"It's still a nice milestone to get, but I will still keep running around with a ball. I might go into the goals in the future, but I'd like to stay involved.
In the local umpiring organisation, both friends are actively active as coaches. Cameron is the general manager and head coach, while Ashley is the assistant coach and a lifetime AFL Wimmera Mallee Umpires member.
Buddies urged the locals to continue participating in the game and pursue umpiring careers.
"If any person would like to get into umpiring, I think it's a great opportunity to remain connected with the sport," Ashley said.
"It's the best seat in the house to watch by a mile. You're right up in the thick of the action."