Matt Adams Makes It Perfect 10

WAFL Field Umpire Matt Adams will continue his remarkable run in big games after being selected to officiate in Sunday’s Sullivan Logistics Grand Final between Peel Thunder and Claremont.

Adams was informed of his appointment early this week, making it the tenth time he has umpired a premiership decider.

“Being appointed to my 10th WAFL Grand Final is incredibly special,” Adams said.

“To have the opportunity to umpire on the biggest stage for the 10th time is something I’m extremely proud of.

“Reflecting on being selected for the 10th time, it’s a recognition of the consistency and hard work that has gone into my umpiring over an extended period.”

Reaching double figures and hold the WAFL Grand Final record was beyond his wildest dreams when he started umpiring.

‘You don’t really set out at the beginning of a career thinking you’ll one day umpire 10 WAFL Grand Finals, so to reach that milestone is something I’m incredibly proud of,” he said.

“For me, it’s probably less about the number itself and more about what it represents, the consistency, preparation and standards you must maintain year after year to keep putting yourself in a position to be selected.

“I’ve been fortunate to have some great people around me throughout my career, and to still umpire at this level is something I don’t take for granted.”

In the 2025 Grand Final Adams surpassed the record of legendary whistle blower Ross Capes for the most WAFL League Grand Finals by a field umpire when he officiated his ninth decider.

Adams also joined an elite group of umpires in Round 13 this year when East Perth defeated Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

He became just the 11^th field umpire to reach the 300-game mark, continuing a remarkable career for the 35-year-old.

“It has certainly been a big year, and I’m incredibly proud of reaching the 300-game milestone,” declared.

“To then be awarded the Montgomery Medal and be selected to umpire my 10th WAFL Grand Final puts the icing on the cake.

“I think what makes it even more satisfying is that it has come off the back of a consistent year of performance.

“The expectations and standards within our umpiring group have been exceptionally high this season, and the competitiveness within the group has continually driven me to raise my own standards and bring my best every week.

“You know there are plenty of good umpires competing for these opportunities, so you can’t afford to become comfortable.

“That internal competition has pushed me to keep improving and has been a big part of my motivation throughout the year.

“To see that consistency rewarded with the Montgomery Medal and now a 10th Grand Final is incredibly satisfying.”

Adams will be joined by Curtis Snadden, Lachie Fahey-Gilmour and Ben Laycock as the field umpires for Sunday’s Grand Final between Peel Thunder and Claremont at Optus Stadium.

Oscar Wharton has been named as the emergency.

All four umpires have been praised by WAFL Umpiring Operations Manager Tom Morrison.

“We are really proud of the efforts of the panel this year,” Morrison said.

“Their decisional accuracy across League games has increased again this season.

“The coaches found it extremely hard to separate our top group of umpires, which is a great space to be in.”

Adams’ achievement has also been recognised.

“Matt’s 10^th League Grand Final is somewhat unheard of in high-performance umpiring,” he said.

“This highlights Matt’s resilience and perseverance to build his craft.

“We are proud of his efforts.”