300 Game Milestone Exceeds McCaw’s Expectations

Experienced whistleblower Rob McCaw becomes the second WAFL Field Umpire this season to reach 300 games when he officiates Saturday’s match between Perth and Peel Thunder at Mineral Resources Park.

It is a remarkable achievement for someone who never anticipated such a long career in the role.

“It’s special and I never started umpiring with this milestone in mind,” McCaw said.

“I simply wanted a way to stay involved in the game after I stopped playing.

“From the Auskick grounds at Kingsley Oval through to Leederville Oval, it’s been an incredible ride.”

McCaw recalls the great experiences he has been afforded as an umpire.

“Even when I first started at WAFL level, the goal was simply to get my first colts game,” he said.

“From there, your goals evolve and you’re constantly looking for ways to improve and get better.

“It’s been an incredible journey and umpiring has given me more than I could ever repay.

“The standout has been the connections and relationships I’ve built along the way.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of the WAFL competition for 20 years, and the connections you form with coaches, players, and volunteers make each Saturday afternoon so fulfilling.

“Walking through the gates each week, it’s those conversations and connections that you look forward to most.

“But it’s the close friendships you build.

“It’s the engagements, weddings, celebrations and life events you’re able to share that have made the experience so rewarding.

“I’ve also had the opportunity to see Matt Adams reach 300 games earlier this year and to umpire Tony Notte’s 300th game, so this game will certainly be a special moment.”

McCaw, who turns 40 next month, is always looking to take his game to another level.

“On field, it’s the challenge of continually improving,” McCaw said.

“We’re all human and we make mistakes, but learning from them, taking on board coaching feedback and pushing yourself and those around you to be better each week is what keeps me coming back.

“The perfect game will never exist, but that’s what we are chasing.

“Physically, there’s also the challenge of performing at your best.

“Unlike players, there isn’t a lot for us to do in pre-season apart from clocking up the kilometres.

“That creates opportunities to train with mates and bring out that competitive instinct.

“Whether it’s 400 metre reps or a longer run, you’re always looking at the person ahead and pushing yourself to get in front.”

McCaw recalls his debut, which also featured the Thunder.

“I was only talking with someone the other day about my debut game, an unexpected late call-up following an injury to one of the league umpires at training on the Thursday night,” he said.

“It involved a trip down the freeway to Rockingham, where Peel was based while their facilities were being upgraded.

“Apart from it being my debut game, it was also memorable due to a goal umpire inadvertently becoming involved in play.”

Apart from maintaining a high level of fitness, McCaw has developed other skills.

“My strengths have certainly grown and developed over time,” he said.

“Early in my career, my running ability was a key strength, and that physical fitness helped build confidence on the field.

“As the years have gone on, I’d like to think one of my greatest strengths is maintaining composure under pressure.

“Across 299 games there is much I haven’t seen or experienced.

“The game demands a lot from us, and it’s important to manage emotions calmly and consistently.

“Over time, you build rapport with players and develop an understanding of the different situations you’re thrown into.

“That experience helps you stay composed, make clear decisions, and apply the right lever when it matters most.”

Despite not getting an opportunity at AFL level and umpiring just one WAFL decider, McCaw is grateful for the opportunity he has been given.

“Early on, I was simply happy to kick the dew off on a Saturday morning and umpire colts footy,” he explained.

“As your career progresses, your goals naturally evolve, and 10 years ago the opportunity to umpire at AFL level would have been wonderful.

“It wasn’t to be, but I feel incredibly fortunate to still be involved in WAFL footy.

“With the benefit of hindsight, I try to use my own journey to help those coming through the ranks, support their development, and hopefully see them earn opportunities at AFL level.

“To see Matt Adams hopefully reach the AFL would be unreal, and I don’t think there would be anyone more deserving.”

But he is still right in the mix to earn a second WAFL Grand Final experience at Optus Stadium next month.

“I’ve worked incredibly hard on my craft over the past 21 years, and the chance to umpire in a second WAFL Grand Final would be an absolute dream,” he said.

“There’s still plenty of work to do in the weeks ahead, but I’m certainly still striving to reach that pinnacle.

“It’s why I’m still here.”

Ahead of reaching 300 matches, he paid tribute to those who have been there every step of the way.

“My wife Kat and daughter Matilda because without their love and support, I simply wouldn’t have made it this far,” he explained.

“Any semi-professional athlete knows the selfishness of their pursuit but knowing I have their unwavering support means everything to me.

“My parents, they were the ones who encouraged me to take up umpiring all those years ago.

“It started so I could stay involved in the game and earn a bit of pocket money, but it became so much more than that.

“My coaches, from my very first coach at the junior association through to all the WAFL coaches, they have invested an incredible amount of time in helping me improve as an umpire and person.

“I’m immensely grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.

“Early on, I learnt the ropes from Richard Powell and Bruce Wheatland, before receiving guidance from Darren Starcevich and Peter Repper.

“Darryl Sinclair helped me find my feet at WAFL level, followed by Gareth Parker and Craig O’Donoghue.

“Cam Douglas, Justin Orr and Dean Margetts were instrumental in helping me build towards the 2022 Grand Final, and Ash Coster has brought a great balance to everything that has come before.”