Wagga umpire Brian 'Pencil' Robinson will enter an exclusive club when he steps out to officiate his 400th game on Saturday.
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Not only will Robinson enter rare company by umpiring his 400th game, but the milestone comes on the back of a playing career that spanned more than 400 games at a number of clubs across the Riverina.
Robinson made his senior debut as a 16-year-old at North Wagga under Laurie Pendrick and is still running around at 60, just in a different role.
Robinson said it was through a sheer love for the game.
"I love it," Robinson said.
"I still go and watch even when I'm not umpiring."
Robinson will bring up his 400th game at Maher Oval on Saturday when Turvey Park host Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
Robinson will bring up the milestone alongside Paul McKelvie and Luke Olsen, who agreed to come out of retirement for the occasion.
Robinson is looking forward to the occasion.
"It will be alright, it has been a long time coming," he said.
"The last 50 especially have been a long time coming with injuries. The last 50 probably took two years to do."
An all-round sportsman, Robinson's goal has always been to reach 400.
"When I first started out, that's what I wanted to do," he said.
"Its been 19 years in the making. I started out when I was 41 and I'm 60 now. It's good to get there."
Robinson admits it is not as easy to cover the ground as it once was. He can now see the end in sight and believes this season may be his last.
"I'll probably do until the end of the year, see at the end of the year but I might pull the pin I think," he said.
Robinson still enjoys umpiring and it is the interaction with players that he enjoys most.
"I like interacting with players a lot and all the banter that goes on," he said.
"I give my bit and they give their bit.
"The comradery with the other umpires is pretty good and there is a few young blokes coming through that it's good to try and help out."
Robinson enjoyed eight premierships as a player in his time with South Wagga-Tolland, Ariah Park, Albury Tigers, Turvey Park, North Wagga, Lockhart and Rivcoll.
He has now also been involved in a number of grand finals as an umpire, not only in football but also in Wagga cricket.
Riverina Umpires Association (RUA) umpire coach Ryan Dedini described Robinson as one of 'our most senior and well respected field umpires'.
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