Whistleblower a big hit with students

WA-based AFL umpire Dean Margetts took his whistle to South Hedland Primary School last week to share stories about what it is like to take charge of the game in front of tens of thousands of fans.

He also appeared to delight in the rousing applause the students gave him, a reaction he has not always been accustomed to during his career umpiring top-level Aussie Rules games since 2002.

South Hedland principal Daryl Mansfield pounced on the opportunity to give him a good-natured ribbing.

"Mate how good does this feel, last time I saw you there was 40,000 people booing at you'," Mr Mansfield said.

"You come up here and you've got more friends in South Hedland than you do in Perth."

Margetts' visit formed part of NAIDOC week celebrations at South Hedland Primary School and he brought with him an umpire's shirt from this year's AFL indigenous round, which he presented to the school.

Mr Mansfield said Margetts then addressed the students at an assembly.

"We had a lot of fun, but we had some serious moments also," he said.

"We talked about his experiences as an umpire and what it is like to be out there and also about the role of indigenous players and the contribution they make to our great game."

Mr Mansfield and Margetts then co-umpired the school's daily lunchtime footy game with the duo awarding prizes at the end for the students who took the best mark and goal and showed the most courage.