RAZOR RAY CHAMBERLAIN TO UMPIRE WFNL GAME IN ROUND 2

A three-time AFL Grand Finalist will take to the field in the TIV Division 1 Senior Men’s competition this weekend.

However, it won’t be an ex-AFL player pulling the boots on, but rather former top-level umpire and cult figure ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain.

The veteran whistle blower will officiate in his first game since retiring from the AFL last August when he umpires Spotswood’s home game against Point Cook Centrals.

Razor’s comeback to umpiring coincides with his support of The Male Hug’s Kick a Goal for Mental Health event to be held at the MCG on June 20.

“Getting back out into the community and umpiring in the Western Football Netball League helps us get the message out there that Men really need to talk and share their emotions with a mate or call the 1800 My Buddy Line and speak to someone who is happy to listen,” Chamberlain said.

“I was approached by Spotswood to be a part of this day…and I thought to myself you are too long retired, and it will be fun to get out there and see how we go.

“And no, I won’t be bouncing the ball, I’ll leave that to the experts.

Spotswood president Alan Given said it was great to have Chamberlain involved in the club’s first home game of the season.

“Ray Chamberlain is a legend of the game, there wouldn’t be too many AFL fans who don’t know him,” he said.

“With the AFL in South Australia this weekend we encourage all footy fans who stayed in Melbourne to pop on down to Spotswood.”

Western Football Netball League director of umpiring Lachlan Harty said Chamberlain’s inclusion for the match at Donald McLean Reserve had generated quite a buzz.

“It’s exciting for the league and it’s good for the club,” he said.

“You get marquee players, not often do you get marquee umpires.

“It’s a great opportunity to give a couple of up and comers the opportunity to run with him.

“Hopefully he enjoys doing it so that he will do a couple of games for us.”

Harty also said it was a great opportunity to put a spotlight on umpiring with the WFNL still actively recruiting umpires for 2025.

“Our numbers are pretty good but we’re still looking for umpires, especially field umpires and we’re also focused on getting more females involved,” he said.

“Umpiring is a great way to stay fit while earning some cash and for retired players it’s a chance to stay involved in the game and still be a part of the action.”

The WFNL umpires train Tuesday and Thursday nights at Hanmer Reserve in Yarraville with sessions commencing at 5:45pm.

Umpire academies also run for first and second year umpires at Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, and Werribee.

More information on umpiring in the WFNL can be found HERE or you can contact Lachlan Harty by emailing lachlan.harty@wfnl.com.au.