The Face of Footy | Dean Sturgess
Q: Which was the first team you played for?
I began playing in 1968 footy for Mitchell Park primary aged 8
Q: How many grade games have you played and who have you played for?
I played for South Adelaide then 10 years for Lincoln South
Q: Did you play representative football? If so, when and which teams?
I played in several Mortlock shield games, represented Port Lincoln and played for the Eyre Peninsula squad in Broken Hill with best on field playing Ruck.
Q: Best player(s) you played with?
Kym Rowe, who won 3 best and fairest with Lincoln South
Q: Best player(s) you played against?
Michael Hegarty from Waybacks
Q: What is your most memorable game(s) as a player?
The 1983 Grand Final for Lincoln south defeating Mallee Park and winning best and fairest in the same year
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of footballers?
Believe in yourself
Q: When did you start umpiring?
Began Field umpiring in 1990
Q: What got you into umpiring?
Keeping fitness up after playing and to give back to footy.
Q: Best Umpires you have officiated with?
Michael Blewit and Todd George
Q: What is your most memorable game(s) as an umpire?
Umpiring Anzac round with grandson Cooper under lights at Poole Oval, umpiring grand finals in all 5 of the EP leagues over the years.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of umpires?
Reward good play, umpire in the spirit of the game.
Q: Are there any game rules you would like to see changed?
Last touch over the boundry line in AFL introduced
Q: Are you still involved in football? If yes, in what capacity?
Still umpiring week by week with a passionate group of comrades, life member of PLFL in 2013.