WA Umpire Dean Margetts announces retirementWednesday, August 11, 2021 - 9:04 AM

One of Western Australia’s most decorated Umpires Dean Margetts has announced his retirement ahead of this Sunday’s Western Derby between Fremantle and West Coast, officiating his final AFL game in front of friends and family. 

Beginning his career in the South Suburban Junior District alongside fellow AFL Umpire Brett Rosebury, Margetts has gone on to umpire 486 league games (376 AFL & 110 WAFL) across a career spanning more than 20 seasons. 

Margetts currently sits in ninth place all time for VFL/AFL games umpired and, in his current role at the West Australian Football Commission, has played a key role in the development of many umpires officiating in the AFL, AFLW, WAFL and WAFLW competitions. 

Executive Manager WAFL & Talent, Scott Baker paid tribute to the career of Margetts for his outstanding contribution to the game both on and off the field. 

“Dean will leave a lasting legacy throughout the WA umpiring fraternity and his contribution to the game cannot be understated,” Baker said. 

“To officiate at the highest level for almost two decades is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport, balancing his AFL commitments with his role in leading the next generation of AFL, AFLW, WAFL and WAFLW Umpires.”

“Dean’s passion for umpiring is unmatched across the industry and he has continued to build the profile of our umpiring programs around the state, proving the perfect role model for all aspiring Umpires.”

“All of the WA Football community is extremely proud of Dean’s achievements and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Margetts leaves the game having umpired 12 AFL Finals and two WAFL Grand Finals, in 2000 and 2008. 

In 2012, Margetts was awarded the Bishop Shield, the AFLUA’s most prestigious award which recognises both on-field performance and off-field commitment to the AFLUA.

The 47-year-old will continue his role with the Western Australian Football Commission as the WAFL and Talent Pathway Manager. 

Dean Margetts Achievements:
Debut – 2002 (Round 5 – West Coast Eagles vs. Brisbane Lions)
376 x AFL Games umpired
110 x WAFL Games umpired
12 x Finals matches umpired
2 x WAFL Grand Finals umpired.
2013 - 2015 AFL Preliminary Final 
AFL Life Member
9th placed all-time for VFL/AFL games umpired