Former Melbourne star David Schwarz believes umpires boss Peter Schwab was removed from his position because he didn’t see eye-to-eye with some at the AFL.
Despite a cordial press release from league headquarters outlining Schwab’s desire to move on, it’s believed the former Hawthorn coach was stunned when told he was no longer required after being in the job for less than 12 months.
“My understanding is that he (Schwab) didn’t see eye-to-eye with some in the hierarchy at the AFL,” Schwarz told SEN’s The Run Home.
“I believe part of it was over the finals series and the lack of recognition of umpires.”
Schwarz believes a difference of opinion surrounding the bounce was not a factor in the sacking.
Schwab’s axing comes hot on the heels of new AFL footy boss Steve Hocking taking the reins.
Hocking, a former bricklayer and picture framer, has made a meteoric rise to the top of the tree after serving in various roles at Geelong Football Club, including most recently as Cats football manager.
Restructuring the MRP is seen as a priority for Hocking who joined the AFL last month.
He also now on the lookout for a new umpires boss.