Hawks official inducted into AFL Umpires Hall of Fame

A long-serving member of the Hawthorn Monash University Cricket Club has been recognised for his services at the AFL at the inaugural Umpires Hall of Fame Dinner.

Cricket club senior practice captain Len Eddy was one of 99 members inducted into the hall of fame as part of AFL Umpires Association (AFLUA) centenary year celebrations in May.

Eddy began umpiring VFL reserves games in 1947 and officiated in 15-20 games a year until 1971, when he was offered a head coach’s role on the Essendon District Football League umpiring panel. His coaching took him to country football grounds across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

He served as president of the AFLUA in 1962 and was on the social committee from 1957-59.
Eddy said he enjoyed the early years of traveling around southern Australia to assist umpires and officiate in the various country leagues.

“We used to have a lot of fun and the umpires all knew each other in the old days,” he said.
“The umpires used to have a beer with the players in the rooms after the game but that doesn’t happen any more.”
Eddy also played cricket against VFL coaches and players and said some took the opportunity to criticise his umpiring decisions on the pitch.

After finishing umpiring in 1977, Eddy became more involved in cricket and has now spent 12 years at the Hawks. He is a member of the Cricket Management Group.

.