Words of Wisdom From WA Umpiring Great

The AFL’s most experienced umpire Brett Rosebury has given WA whistleblowers advice on what it takes to reach the top.

Rosebury, who has umpired 559 games in 25 years in the AFL, visited Bunbury last week to meet senior and junior umpires.

About 40 umpires attended the meet and greet session which also provided information about how to interpret the new rules for ruck contests and the last disposal rule.

“The last few years when I’ve been coming back to Perth for pre-season, I offer to do an umpire recruitment drive,” Rosebury told the South Western Times.

“It’s a good time for young guys and girls that want to step forward, or any middle-aged dad that’s sitting on the couch that loves the game, that wants to come forward and give it a go.

Rosebury ran the training session with fellow AFL umpire Andre Gianfagna.

The pair guided SWFL umpires and other local junior umpires from the South-West region.

Umpire Coordinator Vance Burton also hosted a Q&A with the two special guests.

On Saturday morning, Rosebury and Gianfagna hosted a training session for junior youth umpires at South Perth.

“Umpiring embraces everyone in the community,” Rosebury told the South Western Times.

“So, if there’s someone that loves the game, it’s a great way to build some fitness and provide a little bit of pocket money on the side.

“From there, who knows where it can lead.”

Rosebury’s trip to the south of the state included umpiring an intraclub match for the Fremantle Dockers on Friday morning where adapting to the new rules was a focus for players and umpires.