BY ALEX TIGANI
A local umpire continues to shine in the spotlight.
Singleton based local AFL umpire Ashley Borg admits he was surprised to receive an induction to the Newcastle Central Coast Umpires Association Hall of Fame.
“I had just finished inducting another umpire, Bruce Edmiston, when I was surprisingly inducted myself,” Borg explained.
“We have three on the committee and I couldn’t outvote myself being two vs one.”
Borg officiated his seventh AFL Black Diamond Cup grand final last month, adding to his initial five in Melbourne’s Western Regional Football League.
He was also selected as NSW Regional Umpire of the Year in 2008, the same season he officiated the final of the Australian Country Championships in Shepparton.
“Yes, I have been successful on field at a local level but the Hall of Fame’s mantra is that you give back to your fellow umpires,” he explained.
“Since Neville Turner (our former treasurer) passed away four years ago, I stepped up to take on his role in his honour.”
After umpiring 348 first grade games since his debut in 1995, Borg is ready to call time on his on-field career and continue to mentor the next generation of umpires in 2021 and beyond.
“My colleagues don’t believe me of course, as I have made two comebacks, but I can assure them that I am done this time,” he concluded.
