On Sunday 27 June, AFL Umpire Dean Margetts ran onto Sutherlands Park to officiate the 17s game between Gosnells and Kenwick.

Dean took to the field in his home district where he began as a player, coach and umpire before moving into the AFL umpiring ranks.

Dean’s return to grass-roots football was a major part of the Demons District’s contribution to the Umpiring is Everyone’s Business campaign, which highlights that umpiring is a shared responsibility, encouraging all participants to have a role in creating positive match day environments.

Sutherlands Park was saturated with the umpire AFL message with posters and banners all around the ground and all team officials wearing umpiring caps.

However, the day was as much about the players, with both teams competing physically in a must win game for both clubs. Kenwick eventually prevailed in what was a hard fought win in front of a huge crowd.

The game was a great success for all involved and was a fantastic experience for the DDFUA’s young umpires who umpired the game with Dean.

It was also a wonderful promotion for community football and the strategies that have been put in place to ensure that junior football is played in an environment that is safe and fun for all.

This game was certainly a testament to that.