Football
20 June, 2024
Marklew set to umpire 1000th match
Horsham umpire Frank Marklew is set to officiate his 1000th game on Saturday at Dock Lake Recreation Reserve between Taylors Lake and Noradjuha Quantong.
After playing football, he has been umpiring for over 30 years. He was also a premiership player with Taylors Lake.
Only one other umpire, Maurice Rudolph, has reached this milestone in the region. Despite being on a long-term injury list from field umpiring, Rudolph will return to goal umpire with his long-term friend who he recruited years ago.
Additionally, WFNL senior Grand Final field umpire Gerald White will join Cameron Pickering to form a three-field umpire system. Gareth Lane will also goal umpire, creating a team with a combined tally of over 4500 matches in support of Frank's milestone game.
Both clubs will honour Frank's long service with a guard of honour.
Despite his experience, Frank remains a prominent senior umpire.
He is also admired as a mentor and development umpire coach, whose passion for passing on his experience has helped him connect with a diverse range of people.
Frank's work in this area was recognised by AFL Victoria last season, where he was named the AFL Victoria Development Umpire of the Year.