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Formula One expert Tim Hodges says the AFL needs to consider reshuffling its fixtures to accommodate the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne moving forward. Over 450,000 fans walked through the gates at Albert Park over the weekend and was a sellout on all three days. Victorian footy fans were torn between attending the Grand Prix or the AFL, with the former prevailing - leading to uncharacteristically low numbers at Victorian team home games across the weekend. Additionally, interstate and international fans visiting Melbourne were unable to attend any AFL matches. Speaking on Monday morning after the Grand Prix, Tim Hodges says it’s ‘crazy’ how big the sport has gotten in Australia. “It now rivals the tennis as the biggest sporting event in the country each year, and it gets bigger and bigger,” he said. “Even when you pit it against football, footy used to dwarf it, and now it is clearly so much bigger than football. The AFL, probably going forward, has to move their games and fixture them almost around the Grand Prix to avoid clashing with it. “You saw the very small crowd at Richmond-Port Adelaide yesterday, which was just a strange schedule to go up against it, and it hurt the footy at the turnstiles. “Not many people at the Tigers-Power game, because there were so many people just across the tan at the Grand Prix instead.” A mere 30,000 people attended Sunday’s match hosted at the MCG between Richmond and Port Adelaide, clashing with the race. Saturday’s matches saw similar trends, with seventeen thousand people attended North Melbourne and Fremantle early afternoon, while Hawthorn and Melbourne attracted over 43 thousand people to the MCG due to a clash with F1 Qualifying. Also on Saturday, only 9,000 fans attended the Western Bulldogs vs Gold Coast game in Ballarat. Hodges says it’s in the AFL’s best interest to avoid the Formula One clash next season. “Part of the long-term agreement for the Grand Prix is, I think it's once every four or once every five years, Albert Park is the season opener,” he said. “It looks like it will move forward two weeks to it when it used to be on the Labour Day long weekend. “[The AFL] had the opening round on Labour Day weekend this year, whether they pull the entire season forward a week and run nine games. “They'd have to try and avoid the Grand Prix, if it is that weekend I think, or if they do opening round that weekend and push everyone out of Victoria to go and play their footy game. Scheduling will be an issue and you'll see that next year.” Spaniard Carlos Sainz bounced back from appendix surgery to won his third Grand Prix during Sunday’s race after missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 16 days prior. His Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris joined him on the podium, while Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri came fourth. WA’s Daniel Ricciardo recovered to finish 12th after qualifying in 18th, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding his form. “That RB is just not good enough. It's nothing like we thought it was going to be at the start of the season,” said Hodges. “He has to lift his game, he has to improve his performance, and he needs his team to give him a better car, but the first thing, Daniel Ricciardo has to start beating his teammate, Tsunoda. “He's out-qualified him again across the weekend, so unfortunately, Daniel Ricciardo has to lift his game if he wants to stay in the sport of Grand Prix racing.” IMAGE: drive.com.au

East Fremantle have received permission to operate without a fence in the unlikely event that East Fremantle Oval will host league matches this season. But the reigning WAFL premiers will not be allowed to go ahead with their contentious plans to install a one-off fence for the round 18 derby against archrival South Fremantle. The WA Football Commission board voted this week to give East Fremantle an exemption from the WAFL regulation that mandates fences at all league matches. The exemption will only apply this season and must apply to all visiting teams. The absence of a fence was a condition of East Fremantle council’s support for the $35 million redevelopment of the ground. East Fremantle spent two seasons playing their home games at the WACA Ground while the new facility was built. They planned to open their redeveloped ground on May 11 but slow growth in the playing surface have made it highly unlikely the ground will be fit for football this year. South Fremantle have been sounded out about having East Fremantle as a co-tenant this season and for up to six games a year from next year. East Fremantle president Mark Stewart was bullish about his team’s chances of playing at home this season. Asked on SportFM’s Before the Football whether the club had an alternative if the ground became unavailable, Stewart insisted: “Plan B is Plan A.” “Unless lightning strikes the grass, we will be playing at East Fremantle this year,” he said. The Sharks are scheduled to play as the away team for the first six rounds this season. They will start with negative four points after being penalised for a salary cap breach in 2022. IMAGE: FILE

West Coast midfielder Reuben Ginbey says he has no hesitations in putting his hand up to play on some of the AFL’s leading midfielders. After a 50-point loss last week, West Coast will be looking to recreate last year’s round two upset against GWS in its first home game for the season. The Giants, who sit first on the ladder, have started the season in electrifying form - taking down reigning premiers Collingwood and North Melbourne in the opening two rounds. Ginbey told SportFM that while he’s unsure of the exact role he’ll play, he has no qualms playing on the likes of Tom Green. “Last year that was probably some of the roles I was given to go play on those midfielders. I had a bigger build for an 18-year-old, but I think this year I'm more suited for it,” he said. “So If that's the role the coaches want to give me, for sure. Take that head off. I like Tom Green. He's a super good player for someone who's only 23, so it's awesome to see the way his career is developing. “I have been playing a bit more wing as well this year, I did last week just to try and bring my outside run and carry as well, so I'm not sure what we'll be doing this week but if it's against Tom Green, I'll do my best.” With Ginbey now in his second year, the 19-year-old will be looking to build on his experience from last year. He averaged six tackles and 13 disposals across his 17 games before a hamstring injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. In round three, he earned a Rising Star nomination after a stellar showing against Fremantle in an injury-ravaged derby. After making headlines for his preseason, Ginbey says he came into his second year looking to build strength while maintaining his running ability. “Now I have a bit more of an idea of, the physicality of the game at the top level and the fitness needed to try and match it with the top and biggest mids in the comp,” he said. “I think it was my first proper preseason because in your first one, they hold you back a little bit but this year I really have worked on building a bit of size and strength which I've been able to do and also keep my running ability. “Coming into this season, my goal is to just be more of an offensive player because I think last year I showed my defensive intent in what I can do in tackling and pressuring. Now I want to bring up that offensive damage into the game that some of the best midfielders in the comp have.” Ginbey also put down the preseason’s newfound intensity to new recruits within the strength and conditioning department. Over the off-season, West Coast added former Collingwood strength and conditioning coach Paul Turk and High-Performance Manager Matthew Inness to its ranks. “I think there definitely has been a refresher. I guess moreso players, but as well the strength and conditioning staff, which is super important,” said Ginbey. “Matty Inness has brought a wealth of knowledge into his club, and I think from the data we've been showing, this has been the hardest pre-season the boys have done it a long time in terms of distance and speed, and match sim minutes. “You can do the hundreds of minutes of running, but nothing replicates match fitness so to get those hundred plus more minutes, those match sims have been massive for us. “The other guys they've brought in like Paul Turk, obviously came from the peak from Collingwood last year and they got their bodies right so they were able to win a flag. “To have those boys come in from different clubs and bring in some different insights and what they do at the other club has been massive for this pre-season.” IMAGE: Getty Images

WA all-rounder Charlie Stobo is backing teammate Cooper Connolly to get the job done if selected in the playing XI in the Shield Final against Tasmania. Yesterday, Shield leading run scorer, Cameron Bancroft will miss the final after a freak cycling accident on Sunday, resulting in a concussion serious enough to require an overnight stay in hospital. Speaking to Sports Breakfast, Stobo says it was a shame for Bancroft to miss out. “I think a few of the guys found out, as it happened, I was actually in Sydney so I didn't know until I came back on Monday,” he said. “We were all aware, we all had a bit of a preview for the game yesterday and it was mentioned then. It's a real shame, but we've had to adapt a lot this year to injuries. “One more big obstacle and it’s a shame that he can't be joining us tomorrow.” Bancroft and uncapped all-rounder Keaton Critchell have been omitted from the squad, while Teague Wyllie and Connolly have been called up. Should Connolly be selected, he will make his first-class debut for WA. Stobo believes Connolly is ready to step up and can handle the pressure. “We saw him perform in a Big Bash final as everyone saw last season and that's in front of 40-50,000 people and he's been scoring runs in all formats all year,” he said. “I think in terms of handling pressure and, and playing big games, I think he's someone who's proven that he can, do well and being around the group all year, he'll come in and fit in really seamlessly to give him a chance. “I think whoever comes in and plays that role, everybody in the group knows that can do it and there'll be backing from everyone.” On Thursday, the final between Western Australia and Tasmania kicks off at the WACA ground, with WA searching its third consecutive title. The home final was secured in bizarre circumstances, with Tasmania losing its final-round match against South Australia to drop from first to second on the ladder. Meanwhile, WA and Victoria battled it out for the final spot, with WA coming out victorious, jumping from third to first. Stobo says the idea of a three-peat has motivated the group, but staying present is key. “It's obviously something we've talked about but I think it's used more as motivation for us,” he said. “Having won the past couple of years, it's been a really cool challenge this year to get to the final under completely different circumstances. We've had guys coming into the group that haven't played before this year and they've done extremely well. “We're using that as, we could win it three years in a row in very, very different circumstances. “We want to create a bit of a legacy in the group and we've got to believe that we can do that for the long term. “We see it as something that's driving us but obviously staying present and going through our processes and everything like that in the now is probably more important for the time being.” IMAGE: Getty Images

Former Eagles premiership player Peter Sumich says West Coast needs to field more youth in its playing 23 to encourage development. West Coast Eagles started its season on Sunday with a 50-point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. Inaccuracy in front of goals cost Port Adelaide a wider margin, booting 17.24 (120) as they picked apart West Coast’s defensive structure. In his debut as Port Adelaide club captain, Connor Rozee was unable to be contained, leading the charge with 27 touches and two goals. Sumich told SportFM the scoreboard ‘told the story’ and that the Eagles were likely to get ‘heavily scored against’ moving forward. “There were some good signs with some great efforts from certain players and Harley Reid having 16 touches - that's a good sign,” he said. “But not great signs on the scoreboard… West Coast have to look at the defensive side of their game as much as they're looking to attack more which was, positive 10 goals off 20 scoring shots which's a bit of a positive. “As long as they can keep improving in that area but make sure the defensive area they got to tighten up a little bit.” With Rozee and Eagles forward Oscar Allen leading their sides, the youth across both teams was evident. Port Adelaide had an average age of 26.2 years and 121 games of experience, while West Coast had an average age of 26.8 years and 123 games of experience. With veteran winger Andrew Gaff being subbed off and replaced by Campbell Chesser after receiving four touches, Sumich says West Coast needs to make hard decisions. “Gaff's the one that I think can go, because you had Chesser as sub. To me, that's ridiculous and you're playing Gaff. I just don't understand any of that,” he said. “Go the kids, put them in. The result's going to be the same, but the kids get more experienced, more games. I went through it in 1989. “We weren't ready, but he played us and we got better as the year went on, and matured probably quicker from that experience of getting a few beltings and knowing we weren't good enough, but just kept having a crack and we got a resulting year to come.” West Coast took the field with two debutants - 2023 national draft first pick Harley Reid, and former Hawk Tyler Brockman. Reid came straight out of the gates, accumulating eight touches in the first quarter, and finished the game with 16 disposals, two tackles and five clearances. Sumich says Reid looks like a ‘superstar,’ but his supporting young midfielders need to be his Zak Butters and Rozee. “Chesser, Ginbey, we've got question marks on how good they're going to be,” he said. “I think they're going to be starting 18 players, but are they going to be a Butters, Rozee type player? We know Reid will be. He's a Horne-Francis. “Who's their Butters? Who's their Rozee? Ginbey and Chesser are going to be that. Right now, I can't see it, but they're starting 18 players. “There's a lot more pain to come, and I'm not talking 12-24 months. I'm talking five-plus years before they get anywhere unless they recruit to do something spectacular.” IMAGE: FILE

Fremantle General Manager Joe Brierty says extending coach Justin Longmuir’s contract will provide the club with further clarity over the next two seasons. Yesterday, the Dockers announced Longmuir had signed a one-year contract extension, taking him to the end of the 2025 season and ending any speculation surrounding his future. Longmuir is entering his fifth year as head coach, with expectations to take Fremantle back to finals after dropping out and finishing 14th in 2023. Speaking to SportFM, Brierty says the signing provides the club with clarity and direction. “These discussions have been ongoing for a long time,” he said. “They're things that we’ve worked through with myself and Simon [Garlick] and Chris [Sutherland], our new president and then Justin to talk through what it looks like and the best approach.” “Ultimately, it's landed just upon the season so for us it gives us real clarity for the next two seasons and the direction we're taking and the strategy we're implementing and we're excited about that.” Since starting at Fremantle in 2020, Longmuir has a 50 per cent win-loss record, with 41 wins and a draw to his name. Additionally, he took the Dockers to a semi-final in 2022. With an elusive maiden flag still insights of the club, Brierty says Justin has been given ‘utmost clarity’ of what he needs to do to continue beyond 2025. “Justin and I have a really strong relationship in that sense and have really strong dialogue with Chris and Simon,” he said. “We're really clear on the strategy that we're looking to set out over the next couple of years and what that looks like and continues to improve it on the field. “I think he's just really excited about having the clarity that sets him up for the implementation of the system and where we want to go about it for the next two years. probably “From how players responded yesterday, the group and the football program, are just excited to see him lead us.” At the end of 2021, Fremantle announced an ambitious 5-year plan to bring the club premiership success. This plan included setting the groundwork for a maiden AFL and AFLW flag before 2025 and reaching 80,000 members, with an average of 50,000 fans at home games. Brierty says Fremantle ‘won’t apologise’ for setting high expectations on the players and football programs “We're still inside the planning of the club and the direction that we're taking in both programs,” he said. “When you look at these things five years down the track, there are a lot of things that happened along the way in player movement and how your list develops but we won't apologise for setting high expectations and standards on our players and staff and football program. “We've made some changes in our football program at the end of 2023 to realign and make sure that we're resourcing it the correct way and setting everyone up for success. “We'll continue to do that year on year to make sure that we're setting ourselves up to really be in the best possible position onfield. That's our primacy as a business and I would expect our members and fans would expect the same thing from us.” IMAGE: Code Sports

Former cricketer Bryce McGain says he has ‘never been more buoyant’ about the Sheffield Shield tournament after seeing WA and Victoria battle it out for a place in the final this week. In tough conditions, WA came out on top, defeating the hosts at Junction Oval by 138 runs at Junction Oval. As a result, the West Australians will host Tasmania in the final at the WACA Ground, in search of its third consecutive title win. After the display of cricket on a lively Junction Oval wicket, McGain told SportFM Shield cricket was no longer a ‘development’ competition and worthy of respect. “I've never been more buoyant about Sheffield Shield cricket. I think it really is preparing players for the next level,” he said. “It's still the best one in the world. There's no doubt we can put a head on the pillow tonight and know that every player out there is finding this a real challenge. It's not easy and that's when Sheffield Shield is at its best. “It's no longer a development competition that we probably disrespected a few years back. It's now at its very best and the players that are finding that. They're finding the challenges and fighting their way through and that's a good sign for Australian cricket all over.” The final day of the Shield season presented some astonishing circumstances, with then-table toppers Tasmania getting beaten by South Australia by 134 runs. With WA surging to the top of the table and locking in a home-final advantage, McGain believes WA has the upper hand. “WA was a chance to host the final or miss out completely. What a bizarre situation that is for the season,” he said. “There's depth there and Hardie to come back and bowl and potentially some others as well may be able to slide back into the lineup. “I think they're well on the way to securing a three-peat which is just quite remarkable given how competitive Shield cricket is.” It was an incredible bowling performance that ensured WA came out on top in its must-win clash away from home. Former Queenslander Cameron Gannon came away with Man of the Match after a terrific performance with the ball - including his first five-wicket haul for Western Australia. Fellow bowler Liam Haskett also delivered, taking three wickets in each inning on a tricky pitch. “The bowlers have still got to be skilful enough to do that and one of the players I want to point out is Cameron Gannon,” said McGain. “I thought he was superb. Joel Paris we're well aware can bowl well. I was impressed with Haskett. But Cameron Gannon, who was adjudicated the player of the match, his five wickets in the first innings and he spoke so well on the broadcast. “He spoke so well about what the plan and openly what the plan was to keep the stumps in play and he continued to do so and I think that was probably the difference in the end. They did that for longer. But Gannon was a real highlight.” IMAGE: ESPN Cricinfo

Former Bomber Gary O’Donnell says Essendon’s off-season recruits will play a significant role this season as Essendon searches for its long-awaited finals win. After missing finals last year, the Bombers were active during the trade and free-agent period, adding four top talents to their list. North Melbourne duo Todd Goldstein and Ben McKay, Jade Gresham and Xavier Duursma are set to bolster Essendon’s list as they look to break 20-year finals win drought. Speaking on Sports Breakfast, O’Donnell says they’re going to add value to the side heading into 2024 - highlighting McKay’s importance to defence. “McKay's the exciting one, I think he's a pretty good player,” he said. “He'll give us some real stability behind the footy and be able to play on some of the monsters. You could see in the Geelong practice match there were a couple of stoppages in back 50 and he was opposed to Hawkins. “Normally, Hawkins against us and a lot of teams just wiped the opposition, part-time forward, ruckman in a contest and has a chance to kick a goal. McKay was able to stand his ground.” After returning from a groin injury in the off-season, Ruck Sam Draper has slowly been building back into the season. Draper will partner former North Melbourne ruck Todd Goldstein in 2024, primarily spending time primarily up forward while pitching in the ruck. O’Donnell says while the Goldstein trade ‘surprised’ him, it will provide reassurance for Draper going forward. “I think there probably is an assurance for Draper who's got a body that is questionable and whether it's going to get him through a whole year,” he said. “I like Nick Bryan, there's another young kid another ruckman coming through, that if Goldstein takes too much time away from him he doesn't get the development. “It's a fine balance but I think he just adds his experience and some of the tricks of the trade he knows and will help those two ruckmen in their careers from this point on.” While bolstering their list with mature aged players will give them a lift, Essendon will need to fire on all fronts, according to O’Donnell. He believes to be a threat to top four sides, consistency and stronger defence throughout the course of the game is key. “I'd think it is all factors of the game when you haven't made the finals, you've had a disappointing year towards the end of the year,” he said. “At times they're go into attack really well, they have some good scoring ability, but they don't defend well enough for a team that's going be a top-four threat. “To be able to just consistently perform over the course of the game, it takes a lot of mental attitude and if they're developing that, and they've helped that over the preseason that's going to help as well. “There's a lot of things that have to fall into place for Essendon to be any good this year.“ IMAGE: RSN

Former Eagles player Peter Sumich says questions have got to be asked about the Gabba's surface following two confirmed ACL injuries in Friday's Brisbane-Carlton clash. Both sides were struck by knee injuries - losing veteran Blue Sam Docherty and Lions defender Keidean Coleman for the second half. Scans confirmed the worst for the duo on Saturday, with Docherty sustaining his third ACL injury in his career. Speaking on Sports Breakfast, Sumich expressed his concerns regarding the Gabba’s readiness for the AFL season “The Gabba is renowned for cricket, and the ground, the surface on the outside, through the summer, has really hardened up a little bit and it's not that lush, winter-type grass,” he said. “Has it started too early, that's the other question. Two knees - was the Gabba too hard? Those things have got to be questions that have got to be asked. “Obviously, the Gabba loosens up as the season goes on, but we're still in cricket season, and then suddenly we get two knees on a hard ground.” Carlton returned to the Gabba, where they lost last year’s preliminary final by 16 points, to stage an epic 46-point comeback in the second half. This comeback halted Brisbane’s stellar record at the Gabba, breaking its 14-game winning streak at home. The Blues also ended their run of 11-straight losses at Brisbane’s home ground. Sumich named Carlton as his team of the weekend and said it can be used as motivation going forward. “Let's not underestimate that performance,” he said. “With the players they had out and an injury to Docherty, for them to get up and win that game, forty-odd points behind, you can draw on that game all year now. “He can bring up that game to find something for his team throughout the year with that result. So for me, that was the pick of the bunch.” Brisbane came out of the gates firing, and it looked done and dusted for Carlton who was down by 46 points. Within a matter of minutes, Carlton came out on top and chipped away at the margin, with Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow combining for seven goals, playing an instrumental role in the forward 50. Midfielders George Hewett, Patrick Cripps and Adam Cerra were also crucial in overcoming the deficit to secure victory at the Gabba. Sumich says while Carlton had an amazing comeback, there are some concerns regarding Brisbane. “You still look at their first half and they put Carlton to the sword so still lots to like about Brisbane,” he said. “My concern is them with allowing that to happen and where were the leaders on the ground so that's probably the first question. “Whether the leaders stood up or they didn't and try and stop the game and just slow it right down and that's something I think Fagan's got to hit up is more about the leaders on the ground and what was going on.” IMAGE:

Football commentator Phil Moss says debate around Sam Kerr’s captaincy is a ‘premature’ following allegations of racial abuse coming to light. The Matildas captain allegedly called a London Police officer a “stupid while b*****d” during a taxi fare dispute, as reported by UK newspapers. Kerr was charged with and denies she racially abused the police officer during the incident in Twickenham in January last year. On Monday, Kerr fronted a London court and pled not guilty to the charges. Australian Football commentator Phil Moss says these charges caught him by surprise and wasn’t something he “saw coming”. “Very strange, the circumstances around it. The incident allegedly happened over 12 months ago and then the charges were laid and there was no news of it for over a month,” he said.. “If you talk big picture stuff without knowing the facts, I'd hate to see something like this tarnished what has otherwise been an exemplary playing and leadership, role modelling career from Sam. Not just for the Matildas, but for women's sports and sports in general. She transcends the round ball code. “If she's said what's alleged to have been said, then she's going to have to face the music in one way, shape or form. “I've heard some politicians come out over the last couple of days and say they've been called a lot worse. But, it certainly doesn't excuse a comment like that if it's been made and I have to stress that because it's innocent until proven guilty in my book.” The case is set to be heard in a four-day criminal trial in February next year. On Tuesday, Football Australia came out and said Kerr had failed to inform them of the charges. This has led to debate and discussion surrounding Kerr’s captaincy of the Matildas. Moss believes this discussion is redundant given her current unavailability for the Australian side. “Talk of stripping her of the captaincy and all that sort of stuff is premature and it's really a non-argument at the moment," he said. “She's injured and she's probably going to miss the Olympic Games as well with that ACL that she's rehabbing from now. “But certainly she's done a lot more good than harm for sport in general, women's sport.” IMAGE: Shutterstock

Former Eagle Peter Sumich says it's now or never for the Brisbane Lions to win a flag, believing the premiership window is gradually closing. The Brisbane Lions finished in the top 8 five consecutive years, making its first Grand Final since 2004 last year against Collingwood. Ultimately Collingwood shattered Brisbane’s flag hopes to the tune of four points after a well-fought-out contest all game. Chris Fagan’s men have spent the off-season looking to go one better, and have recently recruited three-time Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin to share his leadership expertise. Sumich, who won two flags with West Coast, told Sport FM Brisbane may be “in trouble” in the future should they fall short again this season. “They've still got a fairly young list, but I think the window is right there for them, it's been there for the last probably three years and made one grand final out of that,” he said. “We're only talking four points, aren't we? The difference from winning and losing a grand final, isn't much, but it's a long way off because you're starting with zero points. All 18 sides have got zero on the board and they start pressured and they've got to mentally get themselves up to contend. “They should be in the grand final this year. If they're not, well, the window might have closed on them.” As round 0 kicks off, fans have several highly anticipated clashes on offer across four matches, including two preliminary final rematches. On Friday night, Brisbane takes on Carlton in a preliminary final rematch at the Gabba, while GWS will seek revenge for their preliminary final loss against Collingwood on Saturday evening. New Sydney recruit Brodie Grundy comes up against his former side, Melbourne on Thursday evening, while Gold Coast’s new coach Damien Hardwick faces his old team, Richmond, on Saturday. Sumich says he likes the concept of the Round 0 and the matches on offer for fans. “They've picked the Hardwick game, this game tonight with Grundy, so they've just picked certain games to start the season, which I think is very good,” he said. “I just think it's a great concept and hopefully they continue. We might get a West Coast or Fremantle game in this round next year because someone's left or someone's come over as a recruit and you're playing against that side.” Round 0 was designed to grow the game in New South Wales and Queensland, with all four games occurring in those states. As the NRL headed to Las Vegas in an attempt to grow the game internationally, the AFL capitalised on that as an opportunity to capture the states’ attention. While Sumich approves of the earlier start for the AFL, he also believes the AFL needs to look into opportunities to grow internationally. “You look at what the NRL did, they had two games over in Vegas, and they're up and running," he said. “I thought that was unbelievable what they did to go over there and expose their game to the Americans who would have loved it. “I think that'll grow and the AFL has got to look to do those things. We've got to look to do something with a couple of sides to expose our game.” IMAGE: FILE

Recently retired cricket umpire Paul Wilson says cricketing organisations need to start making umpiring pathways “more attractive” for former players. Wilson was one of two Australian umpires to announce their retirement from Cricket Australia’s elite panel, the other being Bruce Oxenford - who spent 13 years on the ICC Elite panel and officiated 70 tests and 109 ODIs. Over the past 11 years, Wilson umpired as part of the ICC International Panel, officiating nine tests, 51 ODIs and 27 T20 Internationals. Domestically, Wilson has 88 BBL matches, including five finals under his belt. The pair officiated for the final time during the Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA last week. Speaking to Sports Breakfast Wilson said it was a “special” moment to retire alongside Oxenford. “Bruce has had an outstanding career, great person, outstanding person, great umpire,” he said. “He's been doing this for over 20 years but to be able to do it with him in this game, my first first-class game as an umpire was with Ox, at the same ground and was actually WA and NSW. “To be able to come back and finish here, and be with the same person I started it with, is quite unique. So it was a really special week. “The player’s guard of honour on last morning was pretty awesome and didn't expect that at all. But the whole four days for us was great. There's a little bit of reminiscing, good humour, and great relationships with the players. “I'm going to thank both teams for the way they handled things and got on with the game and the way they respected our roles and what we've done was really special. Wilson got his start back in 2002 as part of Cricket Australia’s Project Panel - an initiative started by now-ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice to encourage former players to take up umpiring. The opportunity was designed to “fast track” and provide opportunities at domestic level, before promoting prospective umpires to the national panel. Wilson says this is an initiative he would like to see reintroduced in the future. “It was a scheme which Shawn Craig took up after me and Shawn still going great on the domestic scene and it's unfortunate it sort of petered out a little bit since Craig,” he said. “We're trying to hopefully resurrect this thing in the next few years and not just from a male perspective, but we need more female umpires and to get more female umpires involved, particularly ex-players.” “So who knows, look out in the next couple of years and hopefully we get a project well up and running again.” Wilson also said being contracted and commitment from Cricket Australia was what kept him around during his early days, believing something similar is needed now. “I think there needs to be some sort of incentive or some sort of scheme involved where you can get players out of their systems used that they're currently in and get them involved in umpiring,” he said. “So we've got to start looking at how we make that more attractive for former players to take it up.” IMAGE: Getty Images