ShamHOCk Diaries – Entry 5

Haydn O’Connor`

After 2 and a bit weeks and what felt like 59 hours on a plane, I am home.

Thank you to the women on the final 14 hour flight that proceeded to get up to go to the bathroom at least 10 occasions throughout the trip, it was nice to stretch the legs at constant intervals.

It’s hard to put into words exactly what transpired over the Ireland journey, but I hope that all my loyal readers could get an understanding of the joys that the Big V encountered abroad.

I last left you on my way to London, and the last 3 days of the official tour were a whirlwind. Flying into Heathrow, a large contingent of the touring party witnessed Tottenham defeat Bournemouth. When I say witnessed, I mean the end score as a group of us missed the actual winner with the goal being scored just after Half Time.

The following day, the VAFA played AFL Europe in Reading, and fair to say the hosts misread the schedule with the game being delayed by over an hour to pick up the jumpers needed for the players.

Funnily enough, who would’ve though Navy Blue and White Hoops wouldn’t clash with the famous Big V. The boys were keen to end the tour on a winning note, and won emphatically. A shout out to Cai Davies, who is helping run the Umpires in London, and an ex-VFL squad member, thank you for an enjoyable day in the parklands.

Thanks, must be given to the AFL London lads who organised the location of the after-match with music loud enough to drown out the presentations. With the speeches all very similar I encountered Deja-vu for 4 consecutive occasions, in all seriousness, the gifts at all the games were well received.

This brought a close to the tour for most of the gang, with a small group staying on to continue their European Holidays. Reflecting on the plane, and in the week since I have been home, there are so many memories and experiences that I will take with me forever, and for all those that made that possible, I cannot thank you enough.

I also can’t speak highly enough of the opportunity that the VAFA organisation gives its players, it’s staff and its officials.

Before I sign out for the final time for the ShamHOCk Diaries for 2017, I’d like to make mention and thank;

• The VAFA for their support of this trip & the opportunity they have given me. It was truly once in a lifetime with friendships made, memories and experiences treasured and an appreciation for all that goes into football communities all over the competition.

• The VAFAUA for also making this opportunity happen, I am truly grateful for all that the Umpires Association have given me in the 2 years that I have been at Elsternwick Park and what they provide for all their members.

• David Murray & Luke Mahoney, for their support, their insight and also including me in all proceedings throughout the trip, this was as close as I’ll ever get to donning the Big V, and I cannot thank you both enough for letting me in the inner sanctum to further my appreciation for what it takes to play at such a high level for club or for the VAFA.

• Sam Confait & Nick Armistead. The amount of work that was done by both men can’t be underestimated or put into words. The VAFA is in a wonderful place with passionate people such as these being staff & ambassadors of the league. Sam organising the touring party, and Nick conducting all media spent the trip working around the clock to ensure that all players, parents and officials were looked after and made to feel part of this experience.

• Finally I’d like to thank the playing group. As a member of the touring party, and being a close member without being physically part of it pulling on the jumper, it was humbling to be included by every single player.

Whether it be on the ground, at the after match, sharing dinners or an ale, I was treated as an equal member and for that I will be eternally grateful. I hope that in some way I could bridge the gap between Umpires & Players on some level. All players and the way they conducted themselves on and off the playing arena are a credit to their clubs, their families and themselves.  

Finally, 2017 has been an unbelievable season, including officiating the VAFA v AFL Vic Country, William Buck Premier Grand Final, receiving the Umpire of The Year award & being involved in the Ireland Tour. For all this I thank my family, my friends and all those that have contributed to the Season that was and specifically the last few weeks.

For 2018, along with blowing the whistle, who knows what it has in store….maybe a stint on the VAFA Tragics. Until then, have a wonderful off season and for all those that have the lifelong memories of Ireland, we are truly #blessed.