In Round 3, 2021 when Richmond take on Sydney at the MCG sounding the siren will be a milestone for Don Stock. It will be his 500th AFL match as a timekeeper.
Don started in 1989 as the Melbourne-based timekeeper for the West Coast Eagles. From 1989-2000 kept the time for the Eagles through some pretty good times including the 1991,1992 and 1994 AFL Grand Finals.
When the AFL introduced independent timekeepers for the 2000 AFL season Don was one of those appointed from more than 50 club applicants. Only he and Cam Bell remain of that original cohort. As one of the independent timekeepers Don added to his resume with the 2004 and 2019 AFL Grand Finals.
For a number of years he also gave of his time for the E.J Whitten match as their ‘go to’ timekeeper.
Don is a much loved character among not only the timekeepers but the umpiring group as well. Having been around for so long he has a great rapport with the umpires, the umpire coaches and trainers. His passion for football is evident every time you talk to him about any aspect of it.
Congratulations Don on a huge milestone and many more games to come.
