Injured goal umpire recalls incident, makes call on his future

The veteran goal umpire injured in an MPFNL game has spoken of the frightening incident, and made a call on his future.

An ambulance arrives to attend Rod Young, who is on the ground covered with a red blanket.

Keep going?

“Bloody oath,’’ veteran goal umpire Rodney Young shot back when asked if he intended to continue umpiring.

The 80-year-old is recovering after being knocked to the ground in an accidental collision with a player in a Mornington Peninsula league game between Mt Eliza and Rosebud on Saturday.

He has litle memory of the hit that ironed him out, causing the game to be halted for 30 minutes as an ambulance was summoned.

Young lay on the ground comforted by trainers — and his wife Robyn — before being carted off to hospital.

“From what I remember I was running across to get under the flight of the ball and I had players behind me,’’ Young recalled.

In good spirits: Rod Young with his wife Robyn on Wednesday.

Young spent Saturday night in hospital before being cleared of major damage.

He’s been “taking it slowly’’ since, and hopes to return to the field in a fortnight.

Looking back at Saturday, he was overwhelmed by the care and attention he received from Mt Eliza and Rosebud trainers and he intends to thank them this week.

“I’m going up to see Mt Eliza and Rosebud, just to thank the trainers, especially Lisa (Mt Eliza trainer),’’ he said.

“The poor girl had to sit there and hold my neck.’’

Mt Eliza runner Jimmy Clayton phoned triple-0 moments after the incident.

Young has been a goal umpire in the Southern Umpires Association for 32 years and has racked up over 700 games.

Rod Young (front row, third from left) in Somerville's U18 premiership side. Picture: Somerville FNC

He loves the job, and being a part of community sport.

“If I’m not enjoying it I’ll give it away,’’ he said.

“l’Il keep going until I’ve had enough. Then I’ll be home annoying her (wie Robyn) all the time,’’ he chuckled.

Young was a footballer in his youth, playing in a Somerville Under 18 premiership.

As a goal umpire, he’s seen close up champion full forwards Simon Goosey and Fred Cook.

“Freddie was playing at Tyabb and getting a bit of attention from a young bloke playing on him,’’ Young recalled.

“He eventually had enough and picked up the kid and dumped him over the fence.’’