Over a career that spanned 21 seasons at the highest level, Sawers became the first field umpire to reach the 400-game milestone at senior VFL/AFL level, eventually retiring after 410 games, which included four VFL/AFL Grand finals and 31 other finals.
In addition, he umpired eight State-of-Origin games and was involved in two International Rules tours to Ireland.
Paul Callery, the St Kilda rover, plucked the Sherrin out of the bog and played on.”[1] Sawers eventually overtook former colleague Ian Robinson in Round 16 of the 1995 AFL season, officiating his 354th senior VFL/AFL match at The Gabba between Brisbane Bears and Hawthorn His games record stood until 2007 when it was passed by Hayden Kennedy.
Sawers also umpired eight State of Origin games, two International rules football tours to Ireland, and at least one VFA grand final.
He accepted the position in April 2014 and served until deciding to retire in October 2020 to spend more time with his family.