After 45 years of umpiring, Martien Pruysers reached an incredible feat on the weekend, the 2000th match officiated of local football.
A phenomenal achievement, having started back in 1979, experiencing almost five decades of football through both field and goal umpiring.
On Saturday Afternoon, Pruysers entered the ground at Walker Park for the 2000th time, standing in goals for the Division One clash between Mitcham and Montrose.
Pruysers spoke to the EFL Media Team pre-game to the Match of the Round clash between Mitcham and Montrose, humbled by the response from the community ahead of his milestone game.
“I’m sort of a backseat guy,” Pruysers said, “I’m not really into the outfront sort of thing, but I’ve enjoyed it (the week).”
There’s been plenty of reasons for lasting 45 years in the business but above all, for Pruysers, it comes back to the relationships built over the years while having the ability to keep his fitness levels up at his age.
“Fitness, getting out there every Saturday and keeping myself fit,” Pruysers said.
“And the friendships I’ve made over the journey, it’s not just other umpires, it’s the players themselves,”
The 45-year-long journey has seen Martien meet and come across generations of families within the league.
“I was doing an under-eights game and an eight-year-old came up and asked if they could have a photo with me. The next minute, his father and his two older brothers came up, it turns out I’ve umpired all four of them, that’s what makes it all very good.”
Pruysers was well celebrated by the local community across the week in celebration of a momentous milestone.
On Wednesday Night, the EFL Umpires Association honoured Pruysers with a celebration of his career thus far. The AFL awarded him a service certificate and signed umpire shirt for his long-term involvement in umpiring.
A tight-knit group, the EFNL umpiring fraternity has been a great support for Martien’s career as he continues to assist the league’s younger umpires in their future umpiring careers.
“It’s like a football club, we encourage each other, we help each other, we try and improve each other,” Pruysers said.
“I’m one of the elder statesmen now, I try and help anyone else, if anyone’s got a problem, come and ask me and I’ll help them.”
At the age of 76, Pruysers is showing no sign of slowing day, still umpiring across both Saturdays and Sundays, setting his sights on another future goal.
“I’m 76 at the moment, I’ve got something in the back of my mind that I’d love to do it and say, 80 (Years Old).
“I’m working towards it so we’ll see how it goes, if the body holds up, I’ll still be around in some sort of capacity.”
Eastern Football Netball League Umpire Operations Manager, Scott Van Noordennen is thankful for both Pruysers commitment and dedication to the league over his long-time career.
“Martien has been a wonderful contributor to our competition,” Van Noordennen said.
“The milestone is significant and we as a competition and as a club are very grateful for Martien’s contribution.”
“I think though for us as a club we are incredibly thankful for Martien’s commitment to not only his umpiring but the development of so many umpires in our competition over his 40+ years in umpiring.”
Pruysers was celebrated after the game by the Mitcham and Montrose Football Club, in a guard of honour after the final siren. An outstanding gesture by the two clubs and a true celebration of what has thus far been a breathtaking career.
The league was thrilled to play a part on the day to recognise the achievement, EFNL Chief Executive Office Jy Bond also acknowledged Martien’s commitment and dedication.
“Martien’s milestone of officiating his 2000th match for the EFNL is an amazing effort,” Bond said.
“For 45 years, Martien has been a cornerstone of our umpiring community and a testament to his commitment and love of his craft. We applaud the league’s supportive environment of our umpires and the continued development and relationship between the EFLUA and the EFNL.”
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement and grateful for his continued contribution to the EFNL.”