THE AFL congratulates field umpires, Ray Chamberlain and Chris Donlon along with boundary umpire Michael Saunders who have announced their retirement, all confirming the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will be their final season.
Chamberlain, known affectionately as 'Razor-Ray', made his AFL umpiring debut in 2004 and has officiated 385 games, including three Grand Finals. Chamberlain rose through the Umpiring ranks, umpiring his first game in 1996 in the ACT. He famously umpired in one of just three Grand Final replays in competition history (1948, 1977, 2010).
Donlon, who has officiated 422 games and one Grand Final (2011) whilst wearing the No.1 guernsey. After making his AFL Umpiring debut in 2005 in a Hawthorn v Brisbane match, Chris won the Bishop Shield in 2017, which is the AFLUA's highest honour. He is the current President of the AFLUA. Donlon has also been the driving force behind the Fiona McBurney Program, providing participants with Down syndrome an unforgettable match day experience as an assistant umpire's trainer.
Saunders has presided over the boundary line since making his AFL debut in 2009 and has officiated 300 games and one Grand Final. Commencing his umpiring career in the VAFA in 2004, Saunders journey across umpiring has extended an impressive 20 years.
Also announcing his retirement from the game this season is boundary umpire Pat Cran who officiated 164 games, debuting in 2016.
Executive General Manager of Football Laura Kane congratulated Ray, Chris, Michael and Pat for their outstanding contribution to the game.
"Both Ray, Chris and Michael's contributions to the game and to the AFL Umpiring community is outstanding. With 20 years of officiating experience at AFL level and a combined total of 1107 games officiated, I would like to thank them all for their dedication and passion for the game," Ms Kane said.
"Ray is synonymous with umpiring and the AFL and has become a great ambassador for the game both on and off the field.
"To have umpired 385 games, is an incredible achievement and a testament to his commitment to our sport.
"Being appointed to umpire three AFL Grand Finals as well being a mentor for so many across the journey is a monumental effort, and I cannot thank Ray enough for his continued dedication over the past 20 years.
"Chris' contribution to the game and the AFL Umpiring group over 422 games and 19 years has been immense. To officiate an AFL Grand Final Umpire as well as become a recipient of The Bishop Shield is a huge achievement and I would like to thank Chris for his contribution to the game.
"For Michael, his efforts in Boundary umpiring have also seen him officiate in the 2013 AFL Grand Final as well as being awarded the Murray Williams Shield in 2013, the highest honour for boundary umpires. There have been 591 boundary umpires in VFL/AFL history. Michael became only the 20th boundary umpire to achieve the 300-game milestone. We thank Michael for his accomplishments and dedication to the game.
"Umpires are an integral part of our game and the dedication that Ray, Chris, Michael and Pat have shown over the years is truly outstanding and a testament to their professionalism and commitment to the game. I wish them all the best in their future endeavours and thank them greatly for their contributions to Australian Rules Football."
