Former AFL umpire Jesse Baird, partner Luke Davies honoured at SCG

An emotional SCG crowd stood as one to observe a moment of silence for the slain duo prior to the season-opening clash.

Jesse Baird and Luke Davies tribute. Photos: Instagram/Fox Sports

A packed SCG crowd has paid an emotional tribute to Jesse Baird and Luke Davies prior to the season-opening AFL clash between the Swans and Demons.

Baird, a former AFL umpire, and his partner and Swans fan Davies were allegedly murdered by police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon last month in a high-profile and awful story that captivated the whole country.

The only place to watch every game of AFL’s Opening Round is Fox Footy, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

The AFL community has made a number of tributes since the tragedy and paused before Thursday night’s clash to pay respects to the duo.

“Jesse will be fondly remembered for his vibrant, fun-loving personality, his professionalism and his commitment to the next generation of young umpires,” a ground announcer said at the SCG.

“Most importantly he’ll be remembered for the great caring person that he was.

“The entire AFL family extend our deepest sympathy to both Jesse and Luke’s friends and family.

Thursday night’s umpires come together for a tribute to Jesse and Luke. Photo: Fox Sports

The moment of silence was beautifully observed by the packed crowd. Photo: Fox Sports

“Please pause for a moment while we pay our respect.”

A perfect moment of silence was observed, with both sets of players lining up, along with the umpires, with a floral arrangement and an umpire’s flag on the middle of the ground.

The crowd then erupted in warm applause once the moment of silence had been acknowledged.

The AFL announced earlier this week the Swans and Melbourne players, along with umpires, would come together at the SCG at 7.27pm to honour the pair three minutes before the opening match of the season begins.

Baird began umpiring Aussie Rules at grassroots level as a teenager before he made his AFL debut as a goal umpire in 2020.

Jesse Baird (left) and partner Luke Davies. Picture: Instagram

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

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

“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.”

A vigil last month for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at Bronte beach Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Ben Symons

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 during his umpiring career and time at the AFL. He was such a vibrant, fun-loving person, who was deeply committed to umpiring.” Dillon said.

“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 Baird was killed, along with his new boyfriend Davies, by then-senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon, who had previously had an intimate relationship with 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 Baird, 26, and Davies, 29, were later found in surfboard bags dumped along the fence near the entrance to the property following a widespread search.

– with NCA Newswire