WAFL umpire Scott McPhee will become the first field umpire since 2007 to officiate in his first Grand Final when he teams up with experienced campaigners Craig Hendrie and Stuart Parry for today’s League contest.
McPhee has had an outstanding season and umpired several of the biggest games to earn selection in his first WAFL League Grand Final.
Craig Hendrie will umpire in his sixth grand final and Stuart Parry will officiate in his fourth consecutive Grand Final. Only Ross Capes with an amazing eight grand finals has officiated in more.
Hendrie and Parry bring plenty of finals experience to the team and are aiming to perform well and not have an impact on the game.
On Monday night, Parry also won his first Montgomery Medal as the WAFL Field Umpire of the year. Parry who made his debut in 2003 and has officiated in 190 league games, has had a stellar season.
“Parry has umpired every game this season and has remained injury free and umpired consistently which is a great effort,” said WAFC High Performance State Umpire Coach Darryl Sinclair.
Flag waver Luke Edwards will also officiate in his first grand final and partner veteran Mike Spear. Sinclair paid tribute to Spear, who has returned to WAFL after finishing his AFL Career.
While Hendrie, Parry and Spear represent the experience of WAFL umpiring, the boundary umpire of the year Adam Bastick will officiate in his second grand final and will partner Michael Washbourne, Richard Heptinstall and Callum Brown.
Sinclair congratulated his WAFL coaching, fitness and training staff on their year, saying they had done a great job.
“I thank all in umpiring for their efforts and look forward to consistent umpiring throughout the Grand Final,” Sinclair said.
WAFC Umpiring General Manager Steve Hargrave said the performance of Sinclair and the coaching team had been outstanding particularly given that five promising umpires with league experience retired before the season started.
“We are fortunate to have passionate individuals who dedicate their time towards the ongoing healthy growth of umpiring at the elite end,” Hargrave said.
“We have also grown the Michael Ball Talent Academy which will prepare us for any future retirements.
“Adjudicating our great game is difficult and the professional approach taken by the entire WAFL Umpire Team ensures that our performance on the field meets the standard set by the players.
“We are proud of them all,” he said.
