Stephen McBurney (2015)
Steve currently works as the Chief Examiner exercising coercive powers under the Major Crime (investigative Powers) Act 2004.
He commenced umpiring junior football in 1985 in the St. Kilda, Richmond and Hawthorn recruiting zones, and was encouraged by AFL recruiting officers to pursue a career in umpiring.
In 1995 Steve made his AFL debut at Waverley Park. He went on to umpire his first final in 1998 and his first Grand Final in 2002. This was backed up with grand finals in 2003, 2007 and 2009.
Steve was awarded the All Australian umpire in 2003 and 2007, and was appointed to officiate in the International Rules Tests between Australia and Ireland in 2003 and 2004. He was also awarded the AFLUA Field Umpire of the Year in 2002, 2003 and 2007.
In total, Steve umpired 401 games, becoming only the 3rd umpire to officiate in 400 games. He now sits 4th on the all-time list of games umpired. In addition, Steve has umpired more drawn games than any other umpire in AFL/VFL history, and has umpired in every State and Territory in Australia.
Steve has worked closely with Victoria Police on a number of high profile investigations and is highly regarded by his peers.
Steve was inducted into the Victoria Police Sporting Hall of Fame in 2015.
Steve McBurney