AFL umpires boss Peter Schwab has been given the sack after just a year into his tenure.
Schwab has become the first major casualty of new AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking, who took over the role at the end of the season.
"Peter took over the role at a critical time for the AFL, and after managing the department in 2017 is seeking new challenges. On behalf of the AFL, I thank Peter for his commitment and wish him well for the future," he said.
Schwab took over the role at the end of last year from Wayne Campbell.
"Whilst I have enjoyed my year being the national head of umpiring and I thank the AFL for the opportunity, I have come to realise my passion and skill set lie more with football than they do with umpiring," Schwab said.
"Having said that, I admire the skills, integrity and professionalism that Hayden Kennedy, the AFL umpiring department staff and the AFL umpires bring to their important role in our game and I wish them all the best."
Schwab was the list manager at Brisbane before joining the AFL and he was also head coach of Hawthorn from 2000-2004.
