After an extraordinary career that has spanned for more than two decades, Mark Noonan, one of the TIO Northern Territory Football League’s (NTFL) most accomplished umpires, has announced his retirement. Noonan will officiate his final match as a field umpire in the Men’s Premier League matchup between Southern Districts and St Mary’s on Saturday at Norbuilt Oval.
The game will be Noonan’s 374th appearance in the Men’s Premier League, setting a new record for the most games umpired at this level, surpassing the previous record of 260 held by fellow umpire Gary Turbill. Noonan’s remarkable contribution to the TIO NTFL goes far beyond this milestone, however, with a career that includes over 550 matches umpired across all divisions of the TIO NTFL, as well as numerous remote Northern Territory Grand Finals and umpiring carnivals.
Noonan’s passion for umpiring began in 1998/99, when he first joined the NTFL. He went on to officiate his first Premier League game in 2000, before relocating to the Northern Territory in 2005 to take on the role of AFL Northern Territory Umpiring Manager, a position he held for over 12 years. Despite stepping back from finals selections to provide opportunities to emerging umpires, Noonan still managed to oversee seven Premier League Grand Finals during his career, including his first in the 2005/06 season.
Known for his leadership, professionalism, and passion for the game, Noonan has received numerous accolades throughout his career. These include multiple Field Umpire Awards, which are voted on by his peers, as well as the prestigious TIO NTFL Umpire of the Year Award three times. In addition to these recognitions, Noonan was made a Life Member of AFL Northern Territory Life Member in 2020, acknowledging his immense contributions to the sport.
Noonan’s dedication to umpiring has also seen him officiate across remote areas of the Territory, including in Alice Springs, Katherine, Gove, Tennant Creek, and the Tiwi Islands, further demonstrating his commitment to developing the game and supporting the NTFL community.
Head of AFL Northern Territory, Sam Gibson, praised Noonan’s impact on the game, stating "Mark Noonan has been a stalwart of Northern Territory football for many years. His commitment and passion for the game have not only set a benchmark for umpires but have also helped shape the future of umpiring in the Territory.
We thank Mark for his outstanding service and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life."
As he prepares to hang up his whistle, Noonan’s legacy will continue to live on, and he leaves behind a lasting impact on the NTFL umpiring community. His final game this weekend will be a fitting end to a stellar career, which has earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow umpires, players, and fans alike.
Mark Noonan’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era in NTFL umpiring, and his contributions will be felt for many years to come. The TIO NTFL and the entire football community thank Noonan for his unparalleled service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.