VALE GREG SIDEBOTTOM

The EFL passes on our condolences to the family and friends of former EFL Director of Umpiring, Greg Sidebottom, who passed away at a football game in country Victoria on Saturday.

Former EFL President Bob Tregear remembered Sidebottom’s influence on the EFL.

“Greg was appointed as Director of Umpiring at the Eastern Districts Football League in 1988, his appointment came at a difficult time for the umpiring group.

“As a young man coming to the EDFL straight out of senior VFL umpiring, Greg had an immediate impact in settling the divisions in the umpiring group and leading by example on the field. His innate people management skills shone out from day one and he was universally popular, not only with his fellow umpires but with players, club officials and the EDFL Board.”

“His contribution to community football umpiring was enormous and laid the foundations for one of the strongest umpire groups in Australia. Greg moved on in his professional and family life following the 1991 football season, much to the disappointment of everyone at the Eastern Districts Football League.

“While he left big shoes to fill, his legacy was a strong, capable, unified and growing group of umpires, making the task for his successor much smoother than his own initiation.”

Rest In Peace