Having celebrated his 57th birthday during the week, leading GNFL umpire Steve Pratt is about to reach another milestone this weekend.

Pratt will umpire his 300th League game today, an achievement few of his peers will ever reach.

With 17 years of umpiring experience, Steve is the record holder for GNFL league games, surpassing the great Murray Stevens back in 2023.

“It feels pretty surreal to be honest as it's not something you think about at the start of the journey and its a number that is pretty synonymous with football statistics in games played,” Pratt said.

Reaching 300 games has been an ambition which gathered momentum over the past 12 months.

“Probably last year towards the end of the season I knew it was getting closer but knew it would be a 2025 target also,” he said.

“Only having to officiate two games to reach 300 this year is nice as it gets it over and done with and I can concentrate on the season ahead.”

Pratt has revealed the reason for his longevity as an umpire.

“I think this comes down to the mateship I've enjoyed throughout the last 17 years as a GNFL Umpire,” he said.

“Without those friendships, the journey certainly wouldn't have been as long.

“The umpiring group we've had in the GNFL has been exceptional and everyone who has been involved in my time as an umpire has been absolutely amazing regardless of what grade or discipline they have umpired.

“Some of my closest friends are a result of being involved with umpiring.

“All that and a good physio!”

Pratt began umpiring in 2009 when one of his sons was interested in boundary umpiring and he quickly became a regular in the league ranks.

Such was his willingness to learn and improve, it wasn’t long before he progressed to umpiring league games and then Finals and Grand Finals.

In 2011 he broke the single season record for games umpired in a year by umpiring 30 matches.

In 2012 he backed this up by umpiring 28 games.

Pratt has umpired a record 13 league Grand Finals, 45 League Finals, been field umpire coach, umpire of the year and represented the GNFL at country week on numerous occasions.

He has been an integral part of the Umpires Association and Umpiring Panel, is a life member of the GNFL Umpires Association and has been a long time ambassador for umpiring in the Mid-West.

Pratt dedicates time during training and on game day to supporting and mentoring young and upcoming umpires.

“The plan going forward is to enjoy umpiring as much as I can while I can,” Pratt said.

“It is pretty hard on the body and mind when umpiring and while I'm still enjoying the physical aspects and decision making I'll continue, but 400 is definitely off the cards for me.”

Steve’s milestone match will take place when he umpires today's game between Brigades and Railways at GBSC Sports Park.

His fellow whistleblowers on game day will be fellow umpiring stalwarts and great mates Brian ‘BC’ Cohen and Robert ‘Gobbo’ Bennett.