900 of the best for Chillie Segota

Much-loved VAFA umpire, Kevin ‘Chillie’ Segota, will bring up his 900th VAFA match when he mans the goals at the blockbuster clash in William Buck Premier between Collegians and Old Scotch at Harry Trott Oval this Anzac weekend.

Ahead of his milestone match, he joined the VAFA’s For the Love of the Game podcast to recap what’s been a magical career. 

Chillie started with the VAFA in 1978 as a 17-year-old boundary umpire. After a season on the boundary, he moved to the field, where remained until 1994. From 1995 through to the present day he struts the goal-line of VAFA venues. 

Chillie has umpired countless grand finals, including the 1987 A section, and the 1987 representative match at the Adelaide Oval. That 1987 A-section Grand Final saw Ormond prevail against Old Xaverians by 17 points, is on top of the list for Segota when it comes to ranking the games he’s been involved in.

“I umpired (that Grand Final) with a guy called Greg Hardiman. Some pretty tough footballers, Phil Kingston for Ormond, the Xav’s boys, there were a few of them who like to throw their weight around… that would probably be the highlight” recounted Chillie when asked to pick a special moment on FTLOTG. 

While it’s a celebration for Chillie with plenty of gloss, glitz and glamour, there’s one side he’s thankful is no longer part of the VAFA competition.

“We had to supply 2 field umpires, 2 reserve umpires and there had to be police at the ground, Koolaroo Rovers… Apparently, some of their players come out of Pentridge on day release to play, so it was very nerve-wracking” said Segota. 

In all, he officiated in 240 field appointments. In the goals, he has racked up an incredible 639 matches, totalling (so far) 21 grand finals (seven in A-section/Premier) and six representative appointments.

When asked if he’d spend another few years making up for 2 interrupted years and strive for the 1,000 game milestone, Segota poured cold water over the prospect. 

“I did set myself for 900, with the COVID-19 it’s made it a bit longer than I thought, I’ve got 3 beautiful grandsons around and I’m missing them, I’d like to spend more time with them to be honest.” 

“The words that spring to my mind are loyalty, commitment, friendship and community and Chillie encompasses all these qualities.” recounted former CEO Michael Sholley in 2016 about ‘Chillie’ in his editorial on the eve of his 800th game.

An incredible achievement and on behalf of all those in the VAFA community, we would like to congratulate Kevin.