The St Michael's dual-premiership player graced the field for nearly 20 years and has held countless roles on the sideline.

Now, O'Beirne is back out on the footy field, trying his hand in the distinct lime-green jumper.

"I just thought stuff it, I'll give it a go, and I've really enjoyed it. I've always missed playing the game, and you feel a part of it when you're out there umpiring," he said.

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O'Beirne umpired junior and reserves football on and off for ten years at the Horsham Saints - where his sons Jacob and Connor now play for the senior side.

It was that record that ushered a tap on the shoulder from Wimmera and District Umpires co-coach Cameron Pickering.

"They were sort of short of umpires this year, and Cam was always having a crack at me asking why I didn't do it full-time," O'Beirne said.

The former Saint notched up 206 games in a decorated playing career but said umpiring presented a different challenge.

"It's easier to play than umpire I'll tell you that. With umpiring you're constantly concentrating for 120 minutes you don't get a break," O'Beirne said. "It's full-on, and it's tiring both physically and mentally."

"At the weekend I umpired two games and ran 20km. That's half a marathon, and I'm 55."

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O'Beirne urged more former players to give umpiring a chance.

"I still miss footy that much. I played for nearly 20 years, and I wish I could be playing now," he said.

"But being an umpire, I still feel a part of it, and you get involved with the banter out on the ground."

"I'm surprised more old players don't do it because it is so enjoyable. If you really miss the game and can't play, take it up."

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