The AFL congratulates field umpire Brett Rosebury who will officiate his 500th AFL match during the Round 18 Collingwood vs Fremantle game at MCG this Saturday.
A career spanning more than 23 years, Rosebury umpired his first AFL match in 2000, when he took to the field for a Round 13 Fremantle vs St Kilda at Subiaco Oval, after beginning his umpiring journey with South Suburban Juniors (WA) in 1995.
Rosebury has officiated in nine AFL Grand Finals and been the AFL All-Australian umpire three times. He has also received the AFLUA Umpire of the Year (the Bishop Shield) five times.
Across his career, Rosebury has umpired in front of a total attendance of more than 19 million people, has travelled 598,204km by air and umpired on every day of the week.
AFL Chief Executive Officer, Gillon McLachlan said that Brett's achievement was a tremendous effort.
"Brett's dedication to the game and to becoming the best umpire he can be is one of the great footballing stories.
"His training, the extra work spent on his fitness and craft sets the bar for the umpiring group, both current and emerging.
"To reach 500 games and still be performing at such a high level is an unbelievable milestone, one that the whole football industry is simply in awe off.
"On behalf of the AFL, I'd like to congratulate Brett on his wonderful achievement and look forward to seeing him on the MCG on Saturday in what will be a memorable occasion for all."
AFL General Manager Umpiring Lisa Lawry congratulated Brett on this momentous milestone.
"Brett is a highly respected member of the AFL Umpiring team and a role model for many Umpires coming through out talent pathways," Ms Lawry said.
"Brett has been a part of the umpiring team for more than 23 years and we applaud him on this amazing accomplishment and thank him for his contribution to umpiring thus far."
The AFL historian has compiled the following key stats:
- AFL Grand Final – 2009, 2010 and 2010 replay, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2021
- AFL All-Australian – 2008, 2009 and 2011
- AFLUA Umpire of the Year (the Bishop Shield) – 2008, 2009, 2020, 2021 and 2022
- NAB Cup Grand Finals – 2008, 2010 and 2011
- Ian Coates Medallion – 2001
- Ireland v Australia International Rules Series – 2010 in Ireland (2nd Test)
- U16 National Championships – 1998
- U18 National Championships – 1999
- NTFL Grand Final – 1998 and 1999
- WAFL Grand Final – 1999 and 2000
- AFL Life Membership - 2014
- AFLUA Life Membership - 2009
