Fab Four selected to umpire first WAFL League Grand Final Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - 8:30 AM

Two field umpires are among four officials who will make their League Grand Final debut in Sunday’s WAFL decider between East Fremantle and Peel Thunder at Optus Stadium. 

Jason Gibb and Louis Jago have been selected for their first Grand Final, alongside experienced duo Trent McPhee and Ben Laycock. 

Gibb made his League debut in 2019 and has umpired 60 senior games, while Jago has 116 senior matches next to his name, making his first appearance at League level in 2016. 

Running the boundary, Jaco Jansen van Rensberg has also been selected for his maiden League Grand Final. 

Having made his League debut in 2021, Jansen van Rensberg will run out for his 50th League game on Sunday, joining Luke Graves, Bailey Foulk and Ethan Lamont, who between them after Sunday’s game will have been a part of 10 WAFL League Grand Finals. 

The two goal umpires named for the big day include Reuben Garlett, who’ll appear in his first League Grand Final and will also create history by becoming the first Indigenous official to appear in a WAFL League Grand Final. 

Joining Garlett will be Luke Caifano, who’ll stand in his second League Grand Final, having umpired 70 senior games. 

Matt Devenish has been picked as the Emergency Umpire. 

Dean Margetts, WAFL & WAFLW Umpiring Operations Manager at the West Australian Football Commission, is delighted for those selected. 

“As an umpiring group, we’re confident the 10 officials chosen will perform at a high level on Grand Final day. 

“This is a reward for a season of excellence, and having four Grand Final debutants is a testament to the umpires involved and the coaching at the WAFC,” Margetts said.