Umpiring in China
Lyon has recently returned from China, where he had been studying in north-west Beijing as part of his studies in international business with Monash University at Peking University.
With Port Adelaide and Gold Coast clubs embarking on their second match at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai last month, Lyon was quick to get caught in the hype around the game for many Australian expats.
Having initially contacted the Beijing Bombers Football Club to express his interest in remaining involved in the game, Lyon was put into contact with AFL Asia Umpiring who asked of his interest in umpiring in Shanghai for the weekend.
Stepping up to officiate in the curtain closer to the AFL match with another field umpire from Perth, Lyon said the match between China and the Asia All Stars involved 50 of the best local footballers from seven countries across Asia.
“I originally volunteered serving drinks but met up with the umpiring group and umpired the game between China and Asia All Stars after the AFL game,” he said.
“They played two 20-minute halves on a full-sized ground and there were a few really good players.
“There was one other field umpire from Perth but people just volunteered for the boundary throw in, so it wasn’t super serious.”
Following an opportunity to meet the Port Adelaide players on Saturday, Lyon stepped back onto the field on Sunday for one of the biggest AFL tournaments played annually in Shanghai.
The AFLX tournament saw six teams of Australian expats joined by other interested Asian players.
“There were four umpires in total and the Shanghai Tigers won the tournament,” Lyon said.
“It was good be involved with footy and get back into umpiring.”
Having returned to Australia last week, Lyon was quick to return to the umpiring fold, officiating in an under 18 match in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition over the long weekend.