ED’S TIME TO SHINE

The round 16 match between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle at Marvel Stadium was one Ed Fry will never forget.

Ed was front and centre of the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience.

With the support of Down Syndrome Victoria, the Match Day Experience aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for individuals to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for the AFL umpires on match-day.

The AFL Umpires Association was excited to welcome 18-year-old Ed to join as its participant.

An avid Bulldogs supporter, Ed could not wait to get into the action and meet his heroes on the field.

The day started outside the stadium where Ed and his dad Bill were met by former field umpire Justin Schmitt and chaperones Peter Kelly and Michael Sexton. Ed was nothing but smiles as he was being walked through the stadium and taken on to the field to meet the field and boundary umpires.

‘‘Is this real?’’ Ed asked in disbelief.

He met with field umpires Rob O’Gorman, Brett Rosebury, Ray Chamberlain and Matt Young, boundary umpires Josh Mather, Damien Main, Lachlan Rayner and Patrick Dineen, and goal umpires Luke Edwards, Stephen Williams and Chelsea Roffey (emergency).

Ed even lived the dream to kick the ball around and met Bulldogs player Cody Weightman.

As the warm-ups started, the umpires spotted Ed’s favourite player Bailey Smith, who was more than happy to say hello and have a photo taken.

Next was the coin toss and Ed’s time to shine. After the toss, Bulldog skipper Marcus Bontempelli came and shook Ed’s hand.

“It’s amazing when the players interact with the kids on match-day, because it makes the experience even more memorable for them,” O’Gorman said.

Throughout the game, Ed played a vital role in ensuring the umpires were hydrated and sugared up. But, most importantly, he brought the most positive energy to the team.

Steve McBurney, former field umpire and brother of the late Fiona McBurney, whom the program is named after, said: “The Match Day Experience has always been successful because the participants have always been so welcomed by everyone involved in making the day special. But it’s come a long way since we started it.

“The program used to have the participants come to watch the game, but it’s evolved into a day where they can come and actively get involved with the umpires on match-day, making it memorable for everyone.”

After the game, Ed went into the rooms where he was presented with a signed shirt from all the umpires and a certificate for participating.

With all the officials gathered around him, Ed was asked if he had any words to sum up the day. He paused, then shouted, “Go Bulldogs!” The room erupted with laughter and applause for Ed – a fantastic way to wrap up the day.