UMPIRING newcomer Jordan Bannister says more ex-AFL players could make the switch to officiating in future but he warned them not to expect an easy transition.

After being delisted by Carlton at the end of the 2009 season, Bannister had his first hitout as an official at the Western Bulldogs intraclub practice match at Whitten Oval on Saturday.

While most of the buzz from the 1000-strong crowd centred on new Bulldog Barry Hall, Bannister said umpiring an AFL level match as his first game was a daunting prospect.

But to his relief, the reception from players including former opponents was overwhelmingly positive.

“They were pretty supportive, actually,” Bannister told afl.com.au after the game.

As for the positive feedback from 'former opponents', I wonder if Johnno was one of them

Good luck to Jordan, I hope he does well.