WA Umpiring Trio Named for AFLW Grand Final Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - 9:04 AM

Three West Australian umpires have been selected to be part of Sunday’s AFLW Grand Final between North Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions in Melbourne. 

Field Umpires Matt Adams and Gabby Simmonds (Emergency), along with Boundary Umpire Jaco Jansen van Rensburg have been rewarded for their excellent performances in 2023. 

For Adams, after umpiring in seven WAFL Grand Finals, Sunday will be his first opportunity to officiate in an AFLW decider. 

“Being selected to umpire the 2023 AFLW Grand Final feels so surreal, however, at the same time, I feel honoured to be selected to represent the umpiring team,” Adams said. 

“This will be such a great experience to go out and umpire the best of the best in the AFLW competition and I get to do it from the best seat in the house, how cool is that!” 

Adams reflects on his year heading into the Grand Final. 

“Overall, I was happy with my performance and while my 2023 WAFL season ended early in the finals series, this did allow for me to focus and recalibrate my umpiring in the AFLW Home and Away Season,” he said. 

“For me, going out and enjoying each AFLW game was a focus, and this assisted my performance. 

“The best umpires go unnoticed, remain composed and have pretty good decisional accuracy. 

“I felt I brought this to the table in the AFLW season. 

“The AFLW coaching staff did an amazing job in keeping the coaching message simple and this assisted in being able to go out and deliver. 

“To share this day with WA Boundary Umpire Jaco Jansen van Rensburg and WA Field Umpire Gabby Simmonds (emergency umpire) is very special. 

“They both have had amazing seasons and are to be commended on their hard work and consistency over the course of the AFLW season.” 

“I am super stoked and excited to be umpiring the 2023 AFLW Grand Final,” Adams said. 

Jaco Jansen van Rensburg’s appointment completes a career best year, preparing for his first AFLW Grand Final and having officiated in his maiden WAFL Grand Final in September. 

“Reflecting upon my performance this year gives me a great sense of accomplishment,” Jansen van Rensburg said. 

“This year has been one of great development for me, having been able to learn from some very talented umpires in both the WAFL and AFL. 

“Seeing my game and performance improve due to this help is something I am grateful for. 

“I wouldn't have been able to get here if it wasn't for the support around me, whether it has been the umpiring group in WA, close friends, training?partners or family. 

“The support around me has allowed me to develop this year and become a better umpire. 

“Being rewarded with the state game earlier this year, to then go onto the Grand Final in the WAFL was a proud moment for me. 

“To be able to go further and do the AFLW Grand Final this weekend is just as, if not more exciting.”

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

“To have three WA umpires representing the state on the biggest stage in female football is something the WAFL Umpiring team is very proud of,” Margetts said. 

“Matt, Jaco and Gabby we know will make a great contribution in what promises to be a great game of football between North Melbourne and Brisbane. 

“It’s Important to note these umpires continued for almost two months after the WAFL Grand Final, so it is a testament to the resilience and durability of them all both mentally and physically.”

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