What makes AFL field umpire Mathew Nicholls tick? Read on to find out...
It’s not an easy job. We hear and read about them all the time. To most people they are just a colour and a number. But, have you ever wondered what makes an AFL umpire tick?
The following profiles give us a sneak peak into the life of an AFL umpire.
afl.com.au speaks to Mathew Nicholls
Your favourite song for karaoke?
I am somewhat ashamed to say that I used to sing along to Bust a Move… Certainly won’t catch me doing that anymore!
Are you ever recognised by fans?
Not too often, the shaved/bald head gives me away sometimes though!
What other sports do you follow?
Golf, cycling.
What’s the funniest thing a player has ever said to you?
When I was umpiring VFL a number of years ago, an AFL player who had been dropped to his club’s VFL team said to me “no wonder you’re in the seconds!” I found the irony of his comment quite amusing and proceeded to not-too subtly reminded him of where he was playing that day…
Do you have any bad/annoying habits?
Plenty!
Funniest thing you’ve ever heard or read about yourself?
There was a joke written about me after I didn’t hear the siren in the game down at Launceston in 2005! It certainly wasn’t too funny at the time, but looking back I can have a bit of a laugh at it! Even my mum sent it to me – she somehow had a bit of pride that a joke had been written about her son!? A cartoon in the paper depicting me with a guide dog after that game was also rather amusing given that I have a couple of Labradors at home!
Who do you most admire?
My wife – for putting up with me! She is a tremendous support, as are my family, and that’s who I have the most admiration for.
I also admire anyone who has the guts to give umpiring a go and get out onto the ground every weekend, regardless of the level of footy.
Who is the funniest umpire?
The theatrics when Marty Ellis tells a joke are usually funnier than the joke itself, but he still makes me laugh! Shaun Ryan tells a great story.
Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I once had a full head of hair!
Occupation/qualifications outside of football?
Procurement and Budget officer; currently studying part time for a Bachelor of Business and Commerce
What was the last good deed you did?
Hosted the family for dinner. Wouldn’t dare cook though!