The call came as the umpiring supremos made a surprise move, turning to a rookie-lister for his debut.
Sam Ferguson, a VFL-listed umpire on the additional AFL rookie list, has received a call-up for the Geelong-Essendon clash on Saturday.
Fry being left out puts a dent in the perception that umpires are untouchable and facing less pressure than ever below for spots.
Even the mild-mannered Matt Rowell showed his disdain when Pickett won a free for effectively tripping himself up.
The AFL has turned to a rookie listed umpire for a surprise as depth continues to be tested.
The move to promote Ferguson at this stage of the season raised the eyebrows of some close umpire watchers, who see it as a potential changing of the guard.
Clearly, the AFL umpiring chiefs are looking to refresh a list that has been under siege publicly this season.
Like any football club, it is a list in transition.
Former umpire Ray Chamberlain told Fox Footy this week that some umpires had enjoyed a "really good year", but that sentiment has been overwhelmed by controversies.
