Goal umpire Emmy French has created her own piece of history by being named the most promising youngster in the WAFL umpires’ awards night during the week.
French won the Shadforth Financial Group Rising Star award, which is awarded to a first or second year umpire who is yet to be appointed to league football.
The award has an outstanding history of recognising AFL potential with current AFL umpires Luke Farmer, Todd Keating, Dale Edwick, Nathan Doig and Jace Collingridge all previous winners.
French also won the David Shawcross Medal as the most improved goal umpire for 2011.
High Performance State Umpires Coach Darryl Sinclair said she was a talented umpire with the potential to quickly advance through the ranks
“Emmy has improved her fitness considerably since joining us and her composure between the goals is
outstanding,” Sinclair said.
Rob McCaw continued his stellar season by winning the Craig Hendrie Medal as the most improved field umpire. McCaw made his league debut last season but rose to another level this year.
He won the Ross Capes Medal as the best performed umpire of the pre-season, got appointed to a Foxtel Cup game, then represented WA at the under 18 national titles.
Sinclair said Rob typifies an umpire who has worked extremely hard over the past few years and has now established himself as a league umpire.
“He has umpired consistently during the year,” he said.
Kirk Webster won the Greg Smith Medal as the most improved boundary umpire after making his league debut earlier in the season.
“Kirk is still only 16 years of age and has a wonderful future,” Sinclair said.
“Kirk suffered many injuries as young bloke and I said come down to WAFL have run with my two sons and see if you like it. 
Only recently he ran an outstanding time over 10kms and smashed the Ursula Frayne School record.”
Craig Bowden was named the colts field umpire of the year after umpiring well at colts level. Craig also did a handful of reserves games and has a really bright future.
“Craig has a good rapport with the players out on the ground and a terrific work ethic on and off the field,” Sinclair said.
