New Faces For AFL Laws Committee

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The AFL Laws Committee will have a new look in 2014 with the retirements of Kevin Bartlett, Jeff Gieschen, Peter Schwab and Rowan Sawers. They will be replaced by former Tiger and newly appointed Umpire Director Wayne Campbell, retired umpire and current umpire coach Hayden Kennedy, former West Coast player John Worsfold and former Collingwood player Michael Christian. Bartlett had served on the panel for 20 years from 1994-2013.

In making the announcement, chairman Mark Evans said the game relied on "the experience and wisdom of many different views to consider the future direction". The Laws Committee now comprises: Mark Evans (Chairman), Joel Bowden, Brett Burton, Wayne Campbell, Michael Christian, Rodney Eade, Tom Harley, Hayden Kennedy, Leigh Matthews, Michael Sexton, John Worsfold and Beau Waters.

Jeff Gieschen had previously coached Richmond and served as Umpire Director. Peter Schwab played for and coached Hawthorn and also later served as umpire director as well as serving with the Match Review Panel. He has departed to join Brisbane's football department. Wayne Campbell and Joel Bowden played for Richmond, Michael Sexton played for Carlton and Beau Waters played for the Eagles. Rowan Sawers was a highly respected umpire and held the record for most games umpired until broken by fellow umpire Hayden Kennedy.

Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release, author notes