Wardman Breaking New Ground

Beau Wardman is breaking new ground in WAFL ranks this weekend.

Saturday will be the 100th league game as coach of Subiaco, but it is not the first time he has marked the century milestone in WAFL footy ranks.

Wardman becomes the first ever to coach and umpire 100 league games in the WAFL.

In 2005, Wardman joined the WAFL umpiring ranks after getting the taste for it in Year 11 at Wesley College.

“I was a back pocket with limited ability and it was suggested I should take up umpiring,” Wardman said.

“Former umpiring guru Darryl Sinclair provided plenty of support and guided me into and through the WAFL ranks system and I am truly grateful for his support,” added Wardman.

This week’s century game as coach for the Lions league team will be against South Fremantle. A pure coincidence, Wardman officiated his first game as a senior umpire between Subi and the Bulldogs.

“The rapport early days between players and umpires was strong, certainly not as sanitised as it is now. You could speak your mind with the players back then,” the dual premiership coach quipped.

Wardman’s century feat as league coach and umpire provides him entry in the WAFL 200 Club. A club for players, umpires and coaches to have amassed 200 league games in senior football, if they have a connection to the WAFL.

“The game at the WAFL level has given me great opportunities to be involved in this great game in both disciplines. To achieve this double milestone of 100 senior coach games to make it 200 league appearances with my umpiring is a huge honour and an achievement I am very proud of,” Wardman said.

After the bye, the Lion will be hoping to celebrate Wardman with a victory this weekend and keep their slender final five hopes alive.