SEEING the game through the field umpire's eyes has never been possible, despite the amount of time spent debating how they come to their decisions.
But now thanks to access gained by AFL Media, viewers can see what the umpires see after the ball is bounced.
In last Friday's practice match between Richmond and Essendon at Punt Road Oval, umpires Matt Stevic and Shane Stewart each wore vision-recording equipment to capture a unique perspective on the game.
Stewart wore a GoPro camera strapped to his chest, while Stevic wore high definition recording glasses that drew the attention of players from both teams.
It was Stewart who made the match-day report of Essendon forward Jake Carlisle but his camera did not shoot vision of the young Bomber making contact with opponent Steven Morris.
Carlisle was eventually cleared because the Match Review Panel found there was insufficient force to find him guilty of a misconduct charge.
Stewart's camera did capture the elements of modern football from as close as possible, giving fans an occasionally dizzying perspective of what the whistle-blowers see.
A close-up visual element to the good-natured banter as well as the debate over decisions is also absorbing.
Stevic has umpired 226 games, including the 2012 Grand Final. Stewart, meanwhile, has umpired 107 games including his first final last season.
