WA Umpire Appointed for AFLW Grand FinalFriday, April 8, 2022 - 9:40 AM - by Mark Readings

Emerging WA boundary umpire Luke Graves will take a major step in his career when he officiates in this weekend’s AFLW Grand Final between the Adelaide Crows and Melbourne.  

Graves was an emergency boundary umpire in last season’s AFLW decider but this year he’ll be in the thick of the action. 

“It’s great to be selected for Saturday’s game and it’s always exciting to soak up the atmosphere and be part of a match of such importance,” Graves said. 

Graves has umpired the last three WAFL Grand Finals and this appointment is a fitting reward after a tough AFLW campaign for WA based whistle-blowers. 

“It has been a rollercoaster season after umpiring in the Round 1 AFLW Derby and then missing about six weeks with both our local teams interstate. 

Unfortunately, I then contracted Covid and missed a match, but since then I’ve been able to build some momentum heading towards the finals,” Graves said. 

The 23-year-old, who has a background in middle distance running, spends the bulks of the year umpiring league matches in the WAFL. 

“I’ve always been a massive footy fan, and this is a great opportunity to stay involved after finishing playing as a junior. 

I started umpiring community football at a young age, a path created by my dad who was a field umpire. 

I began taking the role more seriously as I got older, which led to me being promoted through the ranks,” Graves revealed. 

WAFC High Performance Boundary Umpiring Head Coach Geoff O’Neill believes Luke has well and truly earned Saturday’s role. 

“Luke has worked extremely hard on his skills to get the best out of himself, with the ability to read the game. 

The above qualities don't come naturally to an athlete, so he deserves enormous credit. 

Luke knows what he wants, and he’s going to throw everything at it to be the best he can,” O’Neill said. 

The AFLW Grand Final provides the perfect launching pad for to press his claims for higher honours. 

“In terms of the AFL pathway, this presents the biggest opportunity to be recognised and a great platform to build towards the goal of umpiring at AFL level,” Graves declared.