Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
National
Jack Gramenz

AFL's nod to killed umpire at season launch

A former TV reporter, Jesse Baird umpired more than 60 games for the AFL, including two finals. (HANDOUT/STUDIO 10)

AFL players and umpires have paid tribute to one of their own before the first bounce of the season.

A minute's silence was held prior to Thursday night's clash between the Melbourne Demons and Sydney Swans at the SCG to honour umpire Jesse Baird, 26, and his partner Luke Davies, 29, after they were allegedly murdered by a NSW police officer. 

Both teams and all match officials also donned black armbands.

The tribute would be a small token of reflection and remembrance for the two young men during a difficult time for their family and friends, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said before the game.

Luke Davies
Mr Baird's partner Luke Davies was also allegedly murdered by the NSW police officer. (HANDOUT/NSW POLICE)

Mr Baird developed close friendships amongst other umpires and within the league during his career umpiring 62 AFL games, including two finals, Mr Dillon said.

"He was such a vibrant, fun-loving person, who was deeply committed to umpiring," he said.

The Swans earlier paid tribute to Mr Baird, wearing black armbands as the club's Mardi Gras float marched up Oxford Street during the annual parade on Saturday night.

The parade also included a tribute to Mr Davies from Qantas, with the flight attendant's name included on the nose cone of its float.

The pair were allegedly murdered within a kilometre of the parade's Oxford Street route at a terrace in Paddington, where mourners left an AFL umpire's guernsey and a scale-model Qantas plane amongst bouquets and commemorative notes.

Senior Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon, 28, is in custody charged with murdering the pair on February 19, allegedly using his police-issued firearm, before dumping their bodies at a rural property south of Sydney.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.