- The AFL has paid tribute to Jesse Baird and Luke Davies
- The couple were allegedly murdered by a New South Wales police officer
- Baird was a referee and Davies a great football fan.
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The SCG paid an emotional tribute to Jesse Baird and Luke Davies ahead of the AFL season opener.
Baird, a former AFL referee and television presenter, and his partner Davies, a Swans fan, were allegedly murdered by police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon last month in a story that shocked Australia.
The AFL world has been a pioneer in paying tribute to the couple and did so once again ahead of Thursday night’s match between Sydney and Melbourne Demons.
“Jesse will be fondly remembered for his vibrant, fun-loving personality, his professionalism and his commitment to the next generation of young referees,” an announcer said.
‘The most important thing is that he will be remembered for the great caring person he was.
The AFL has paid emotional tribute to Jesse Baird and Luke Davies
A minute of silence was respectfully observed before the start of the new season.
The referees wore black armbands in tribute to Baird, who was a goal referee.
‘The entire AFL family extends our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Jesse and Luke.
“Please pause for a moment while we pay our respects.”
A moment of silence was respectfully observed, with both groups of players lined up next to the referees, while a flower arrangement and a referee flag were placed in the middle of the field.
The crowd gave warm applause once the moment of silence had passed.
Baird has been an AFL goal umpire since 2020 and moved from Queensland to Sydney last year to continue his career at the elite level.
“Jesse was a popular and respected member of our AFL umpiring family, Luke a lifelong Sydney Swans supporter,” read a statement from the AFL on Wednesday.
‘The AFL recognizes and respects both families who are experiencing unspeakable pain and is therefore particularly grateful for their support of the memorial.
“The AFL also acknowledges the Sydney Swans, who have played an integral role in making this happen at the SCG ahead of their round one match, along with the Melbourne Football Club and the AFL Referees’ Association for their support.” .
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said: “Jesse developed many close friendships during his umpiring career and time in the AFL. He was a vibrant, fun-loving person and deeply committed to umpiring.
Baird and Davies were allegedly murdered by a New South Wales police officer last month.
Baird (left) was a goal referee who moved to Sydney to continue at the elite level.
“A pre-game tribute to Jesse and Luke tomorrow night is a small way for us all to reflect and remember two young men during a very difficult time for their families and friends.”
Police will allege Baird and Davies were murdered by Police Constable Lamarre-Condon, who had previously had an intimate relationship with Baird.
They will also claim in court that he used his service weapon to kill the couple.
The bodies of Baird and Davies were found in surfboard bags dumped near the entrance to a property following a widespread search.