IT is hard to imagine a Saturday at South Warrnambool without John De Grandi.
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And that’s because it just doesn’t happen.
Whether it is boundary umpiring for the under 18s, popping over to netball to wish the players well or congratulating the footballers in the rooms post-match, his support is invaluable.
People probably think that his legend status could not be enhanced any more but it will be on Saturday when he umpires his 800th club match.
After playing with South Warrnambool’s under 18s for a season in 1969, he started umpiring the following year.
“There was a vacancy there at the end of the ’69 season so I thought I might as well have a go,” he said.
“I’ve been doing it ever since.”
In the past 41 years, the boundary runner has only had one season off, which came last year when he was battling neck cancer.
“I did miss it in a way but I didn’t mind missing it for just a year,” he said.
“At the end of the day, my health came first.”
While the South Warrnambool life member may not have been umpiring due to cancer treatment, he was still actively involved at the Roosters, sorting out the jumpers after games.
The sprightly 56-year-old has not held back since returning to umpiring this year, running the boundary for the under 18s each weekend and training twice a week.
Since being diagnosed with cancer in September 2009, he has received three all clears.
“I’ll go back in early September for another clearance but I’m feeling as fit as ever,” he said.
The Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) life member said he planned to continue building his umpiring tally.
“Hopefully I can keep doing it for another couple of years,” he said.
“It will depend on my body.
“I’m sure my knees will tell me when I’ve had enough,” he laughed.
De Grandi, who will share the officiating role for the under 18 match between South and Camperdown at Friendly Societies’ Park on Saturday, said he loved being part of the Roosters.
“It’s a great club and I’ve always been there since my early days,” he said.
“I just love the involvement and the mateship with all the players and the coaches, just everyone.
“The club’s going really well this year, including all the netball girls.”
De Grandi will be presented with a VCFL recognition of service medallion at South’s clubrooms tonight.
His milestone prompted the club to approach the HFNL to hold a Legends of Umpires day, which the league and the Warrnambool and District Football Umpires’ Association (WDFUA) have supported.
The initiative will see umpires who boast longevity in the game officiating at the Friendly Societies’ Park on Saturday.
kbutler@standard.fairfax.com.au
