MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

The AFL umpiring department wishes to advise that senior AFL umpire and former Essendon and Carlton player Jordan Bannister has announced his retirement.

Bannister, 34, informed the AFL and the senior umpire list yesterday he would retire, due to increasing work and travel commitments for his family business.

AFL Umpiring coach Hayden Kennedy said he wanted to congratulate Bannister for the way he had reached the elite level to officiate in 97 games as an umpire after a 67-game career in the AFL for two of the competition’s largest clubs.

“Jordan has broken new ground for umpires across the country by coming to the AFL level after playing at the highest level in the game,” Kennedy said.

“Jordan was very successful when coming into umpiring and well-respected across the competition, and we are disappointed to lose him, but wish him well for the next stage in his business life.

“He adapted so well to umpiring that he was able to officiate in a final in a his debut season in 2012 and within the list of senior umpires, he was an excellent team man for other umpires.”

Bannister said it was the right time for him to step away from the game.

"I have absolutely loved my time in umpiring and encourage all footballers at all levels to consider it,” Bannister said.

“Unfortunately my work commitments have increased and it saddens me to walk away from such a terrific group of people."