AFL to hold pre-game tribute for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies after alleged murders

Slain couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies will be honoured in a special way moments before the AFL season begins on Thursday.

The feverish build-up to the AFL season will be put on pause moments before the first bounce in a league tribute to slain goal umpire Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies.

Sydney Swans and Melbourne players, along with umpires, will come together at the SCG at 7.27pm to honour the pair three minutes before the opening match of the season begins on Thursday.

Mr Baird, who was allegedly murdered along with Mr Davies last month by police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, began umpiring Aussie Rules at grassroots level as a teenager before he made his AFL debut as a goal umpire in 2020.

He relocated from Queensland to Sydney last year to continue his career at the elite level, which spanned 62 matches including two finals.

An AFL statement released Wednesday said Mr Baird was a “popular and respected member” of the footy community.

Jesse Baird, 26, officiated in 62 AFL games including two finals as a goal umpire, and relocated to Sydney to continue his career in 2023. Picture: AFL Umpires Association

“Jesse was a popular and respected member of our AFL umpiring family, Luke a lifelong Sydney Swans supporter,” the statement read.

“The AFL acknowledges and respect both families who are experiencing untold grief and so are particularly grateful for their support of the tribute.

“The AFL also acknowledges the Sydney Swans, who have played an integral part in making this happen at the SCG ahead of their opening round match, along with the Melbourne Football Club and the AFL Umpires Association for their support.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the pre-game tribute was a “small way” for the league to pay its respects to the pair.

“Jesse developed many close friendships his umpiring career and time at the AFL. He was such a vibrant, fun-loving person, who was deeply committed to umpiring.” Mr Dillon said.

Jesse Baird (left) and his new partner Luke Davies (right) were allegedly murdered last month. Picture: Instagram

“A tribute pre-game to both Jesse and Luke tomorrow night is a small way for us all to reflect and remember two young men during what is a very difficult time for their families and friends.”

Police will allege Mr Baird was killed, along with his new boyfriend Luke Davies, by then-senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon, who had previously had an intimate relationship with Mr Baird.

Police will allege in court Lamarre-Condon, who worked in the NSW Police Youth Command, used his service weapon to kill the pair.

He allegedly then transported their bodies to a property near Bungonia before returning soon after and relocating them to a second property.

The bodies of Mr Baird, 26, and Mr Davies, 29, were later found in surfboard bags dumped along the fence near the entrance to the property following a widespread search.