SAFOOTY.NET exclusive interview - Derek Woodcock

[CK]

Former AFL and SANFL umpire Derek Woodcock has hung up his whistle for the last time. Attached is my interview with him, exclusive to http://www.safooty.net.

THE LAST WHISTLE
The men in white have arguably the toughest job in footy. Despite how many decisions they get right in a game, inevitably it’s the few they get wrong that are highlighted. After 14 years of umpiring both SANFL and AFL, Derek Woodcock wouldn’t like to imagine how many decisions he has made over the years, but judging by the respect from his peers and the players, it’s safe to say there have been plenty of good calls there.

While playing district cricket for Tea Tree Gully and studying an Accountancy degree at the University of South Australia, the nephew of 267 game Norwood legend Roger took up the whistle at school level, where he was spotted by SANFL Umpire Director Shane Harris and invited to train with the SANFL. Making his debut in 1996 at the Elizabeth encounter of Central District v Glenelg, his rapid progress was epitomised by making his finals debut that year in only his 15th game, the Port Adelaide v Central District second semi final. While the umpiring was largely a positive experience, Woodcock remembers an impromptu gymnastic exhibition during the game. “Running backward toward the 50, I tripped and did a perfect backward somersault which, of course, the crowd loved. Given the degree of difficulty, I was fairly happy with the dismount!”
His first grand final, in 1997 was notable for both being between the ultimate traditional rivals, Norwood v Port Adelaide, but also for his start to the game. “There were some nerves going into the game, it’s the ultimate in footy. The pace is quicker and everyone is on edge. I went in for the opening bounce, slammed it down and watched as the ball went straight sideways out to centre half forward. Being in the days before recalling bounces, it wasn’t the ideal way to kick off the game!”

After winning the prestigious Golden Whistle Award in both 1998 and 1999, he caught the attention of then AFL Umpires coach, Rowan Sawers and trialled for a spot on the 32 man AFL roster. Making his debut in the 2001 encounter between Fremantle and Melbourne in Perth, he was struck with how much faster the pace was than SANFL, but was grateful for the support of experienced fellow umpires Darren Goldspink and Stuart Wenn on the day.

Umpiring at the top level for seven years, the 34 year old considered himself very fortunate to see some of the game’s greats at their best. “For pure guts and determination, it was hard to go past Michael Voss out there, but for sheer magic, James Hird did some of the mercurial things that you just can’t forget. He always spotted up teammates and barely wasted a touch. The best I ever saw, though, would have to be Robert Harvey. He really epitomised the term best and fairest, never said a negative word out there and his work ethic and ability to run all day was just phenomenal. Barry Hall was always interesting though – just pushed the limits many times and if ever there was a case of white line fever, he would be it.”

Being in charge of the 2005 Qualifying Final between West Coast and Sydney at Subiaco was one of the highlights of the career. “The first thing I noticed was the noise – it was the loudest game I have ever heard.” Late in the game, he was on the spot when Swans superstar Adam Goodes appeared to be tripped, but he stood by his call to wave play on, not long before the Eagles scraped home by four points. With his final game in 2007 at the Gabba between Brisbane and Geelong, it gave him time to reflect upon his 124 game AFL career. “One of the most pivotal parts was the report on Byron Pickett in a pre-season game (Port v Adelaide, 2005), when he bumped James Begley high. To be called up to give evidence via video link was a bit nerve wracking, but I stood by what I had seen. That tribunal decision (a six week suspension) probably started to change the game with regard to bumping and offering more protection to the ball carrier.”

Woodcock had always committed to returning to the SANFL for two years, wanting to give something back to the league that had given him the start in a stellar career. While many of the legends such as Garry McIntosh had long retired (“I always remember him calling me a peanut in one of my very first games out at Noarlunga, which was funny to hear from someone who I had always admired as a real star of the game”), there were still plenty of characters to keep him smiling during games. “The Gowans boys are a lot of fun out there. They know just how far to take it, and it’s always light hearted out there, although they aren’t afraid to have a go back at you!”
With the last of his 155 SANFL games being in round 23, between Norwood and Central District, he looks with interest on how both SANFL and AFL have evolved over his time in umpiring. “The AFL has gone a lot more toward focussing on not giving up the ball, and chipping around to beat the zone. There’s a lot more uncontested footy now, even from when I started and a lot more patience from the ball carrier. With SANFL, the pace is quicker now, but there is a lot more contested footy. While there is more running with the ball than there was, it’s still much more at the body than AFL is today.”

While he has had the opportunity to work with a number of distinguished colleagues, two stand out for him. “Brett Allen was great in AFL, he was just always so laid back and relaxed out there, and stayed consistent every week. Was always very willing to offer advice when asked, and was a great mentor to me. Richard Williams has set a standard in SANFL, his longevity has been fantastic, but more importantly, he doesn’t get flustered out there – even when getting plenty of advice from both sides of the fence! – and keeps his head in the heat of battle.”

While his full time role at the South Australian Cricket Association as the Cricket Development Officer for Prospect Cricket Club keeps him busy, he will remain involved in local ranks, in a coaching/mentoring role and will watch the development of promising youngsters Curtis Deboy and Corey Bowen, among others, with great interest.

He leaves the ranks with no regrets, but plenty of great memories (“Umpiring the 2006 NAB Cup Grand Final and that year’s Anzac Day clash was pretty special”), and will enjoy the chance to rest the body and mind after so many years of training. “After a while, the travelling from one side of the country to the other each week takes it out of you, and there’s only so many times you can live out of a suitcase. Having said all that, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The support of family has been wonderful throughout, they have always been quietly there in the background and never interfered.”

Looking forward to furthering his love of travel with more time on his side, Woodcock will also relish the chance to watch from the other side of the fence. “SANFL is great in that respect, the freedom to go and watch with the family and mates and watch top standard footy. It will be great to do it again without the pressure!”

[Big Phil]

Great story and interview CK, well done...

Congratulations to Derek on his umpiring career...

[buulsroar]

I know 'retirement' doesn't mean you'll be slowing down. Always very active with his cricket role with the SACA. I'm sure he will have an impact on the junior at Prospect. Maybe one day you will hopefully return to TTG.

Probably was one of the best umpires in the AFL especially his ability to bounce the ball & get on with the game instaed of trying to be the centre of attention.

All the best Woody.

[doggies4eva]

Interesting interview - especially what he says about the Gowans' and his comparisons between AFL and SANFL which I think are spot on.

[spell_check]

Out of any umpire, I cannot recall a bad word said about Derek. I can't recall anything I may have said, other than him being probably the quickest bouncer of the ball - and they would go straight up every time.

[prowling panther]

Ah, what can I say, my old umpires coach has hung up his whistle.

Congrats to Derek on what he has achieved from his umpiring, he has good knowledge of the game, understands what its all about, had his good days and his bad days, was never going to make all the crowd happy with his calls, and was always open to criticism from fellow learning umpires on our training night, always asked 'what decision would you have made if you were in my place', he was a good teacher for younger boys taking up umpiring.

[redandblack]

CK, that is a really well written and interesting article.

IMO, SA Footy is all the better for a contribution such as this.

Great work.

[Wedgie]

CK, that is a really well written and interesting article.

IMO, SA Footy is all the better for a contribution such as this.

Great work.

I couldn't agree more! Well aid r&b.
CK, I'd be nominating that one for the SANFL Media Awards if I was you!
You and Phil H are both very talanted men that can be statisticians, journalists and commentators!

[am Bays]

Yep great article and Splinterdi*k is a loss to the SANFL umpiring community. You didn't notice him when he was umpiring but you notice him when he is missing.

[FlyingHigh]

Agree with all the above praise for Derek and CK.

Found it interesting that he considers the SANFL faster now than the mid-90's.

[bloods08]

Agree with all of the above. Sad we are going to lose the 3 best umpires at seasons end.