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BENDIGO goal umpire Leo McClure is still getting as much enjoyment out of his involvement in the game as he did when he first waved his flags more than 30 years ago.
Having taken up goal umpiring in 1990, McClure reached a major milestone last Saturday when he officiated in his 1000th game.
The 74-year-old reached the 1000 mark in the BFNL's under-18 game between Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye at his favourite ground to umpire at - Canterbury Park.
Throughout his career McClure has been involved with four umpiring associations - Bendigo, Rochester, Goulburn Valley and Riddell.
McClure's 1000 games takes in a mix of senior, reserves and under-age football, with the majority of his matches having been with the Bendigo Umpires Association over two stints of 14 seasons.
His first stint with the BUA was over 10 seasons from 1990. He has now been back with the association for four years.
"I've been all around the place and still enjoy umpiring as much as I did when I first took it up," McClure said on Wednesday.
"I really enjoy meeting and socialising with people and the players... it has been great to be part of for over 30 years.
"I've bee fortunate enough to do some grand finals and finals over the years and I'm really proud to have got to 1000 games.
"I'm not going to stop though, I'm going to keep going."
McClure has meticulously kept track of all his matches over the years on his way to the rare milestone of 1000 games.
"It was great to do my 1000th game at Eaglehawk last week. The Borough is my favourite ground," McClure said.
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