Local SA footy umpire Barry Lewis to officiate 1200th Adelaide Footy League game

A veteran local SA footy umpire with a record 2637 games under his belt will celebrate his 50th year of officiating with a major Adelaide Footy League milestone this weekend.

A much-loved veteran local SA footy umpire will achieve yet another major milestone this weekend as he adds to his ongoing state record.

77-year-old Barry Lewis will umpire his 1200th Adelaide Footy League game on Saturday, a record for the competition.

The former police superintendent is remarkably in the midst of his 50th season as an umpire and will run out for a state record 2637th time in local footy tomorrow.

“It’s a reasonably humbling experience being able to umpire all these years and seeing the appreciation of others heading into the weekend,” Lewis said.

“My love for the game has kept me going for so long. There’s so much enjoyment for me every time I umpire and I’m really thankful that I’m still able to take part.”

Barry Lewis will umpire his 1200th Adelaide Footy League game and 2637th local game this weekend. Picture: Matt Loxton

Through his time as an umpire, Lewis has officiated every level of the sport from women’s, men’s and juniors to inclusive football.

He said his involvement in the inclusive side of the game had been a highlight of his career.

“I remember when I was umpiring inclusive footy 12 years ago by myself and just to see how far it has come has been rewarding,” Lewis said.

“I’ve built a lot of relationships with a lot of people over the years, whether its coaches, fans, or players – the game at the local level is all about the community. I’ve umpired players and then umpired their grandsons, it’s all very enjoyable.”

Barry Lewis (left) with Adelaide Footy League umpire manager Colin Rowston. Picture: Adelaide Footy League

While he admitted his legs were starting to show more wear and tear in recent seasons, Lewis was adamant 2023 would not be his last year as an umpire.

“It’s been great fun and I don’t have any intentions of stopping any time soon.

“I’m still a young man at heart and you’ve got to be old to retire.

“My plan is to keep doing it until I can’t run – I’ve had a few aches and pains but while I can run and jog around the ground I’ll be umpiring.”

ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE GOALS AND MARKS OF THE WEEK

The goals and marks of the week have been picked for the round and in conjunction with the Adelaide Footy League, we’re giving you the chance to vote for who you think is the standout in both categories.

Watch the videos and vote in our polls below.

Each week the votes will go towards the Adelaide Footy League’s awards for the mark and goal of the year.