Former AFL umpire Michael Pell makes football return after Brownlow Medal betting scandal

The former AFL umpire at the centre of the Brownlow Medal betting scandal has returned to the football field as Victoria Police continue to work on a brief.

The former AFL umpire at the centre of the Brownlow Medal betting scandal has been welcomed back to football for the first time since his arrest on November 14 last year.

The APS private school competition had knocked Michael Pell back from umpiring last month, but his clearance to rejoin the Essendon District Football League as a player was approved on May 24.

On Saturday he will pull on the boots for Hadfield against Coburg Districts at Martin St.

Victoria Police has not charged Pell seven months on from that dramatic arrest for allegedly leaking Brownlow Medal votes.

Sources close to the investigation said police were still working on a brief. They said it was unlikely to be completed until August.

Michael Pell is the former AFL umpire at the centre of the Brownlow betting scandal. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

The AFL made no formal finding against Pell and accepted his resignation late last year. Pell received a few sledges from supporters when he played his first game in nine years for Hadfield on May 27.

“Mick’s been through a really tough time. I think he‘s probably suffered enough without having to cop grief from over the boundary line,” Hadfield coach Brett Pitts said on Friday.

“This is a fellow that‘s trying to get his life back on track. He’s a good guy.

“Things have happened in the past and that's fine. Let’s move on and create a safe environment for him to come back and get around his mates.”

Pell kicked a goal from 15 disposals against Burnside Heights and expected to play out the season in the EDFL, where he began umpiring as a 13-year-old.

Michael Pell is back playing in the Essendon District Football League.

“For his mental health and obviously for the family as well to see him back playing footy with his mates and enjoying himself again is just fantastic,” Pitts said.

“He’s had a really positive impact both on the ground and off the ground. He’s a really wise head and a good guy to have around a lot of our young blokes.

“Even for me personally. At the start of the year Mick jumped on board as a bit of a coaching co-ordinator and he‘s been really good with feedback and giving me a little bit of assistance in terms of my coaching development as well.”

Pitts said Pell’s clearance went “straight through” and he was “much-loved” in EDFL circles.

“He’s been playing a high half-forward role for me – getting up and getting back. He’s obviously pretty fit from his umpiring days,” Pitts said.

“He‘s a clever footballer, so he’s someone we like to have around our forward half. He’s lively, uses the ball quite well and can kick a goal or two a week.”