FORMER Essendon and Carlton midfielder Jordan Bannister has announced his retirement from umpiring.

The 34-year-old notified the AFL this week that his increasing work and travel commitments would prevent him from continuing his umpiring career.

Bannister, who played 67 games in his AFL career, umpired 97 matches at the top level and was well respected among the competition for his approach.

"I have absolutely loved my time in umpiring and encourage all footballers at all levels to consider it," Bannister said. 

"Unfortunately my work commitments have increased and it saddens me to walk away from such a terrific group of people."

Bannister took up umpiring in 2011 and was added to the AFL's list of officials in 2012, but he stepped down in the middle of 2013 to support his brother Ricky, who suffered serious spinal injuries that year. 

Bannister returned to the umpiring fold in 2014, before Ricky passed away later that year after a long battle with illness and complications with his injuries.

"Jordan was very successful when coming into umpiring and well-respected across the competition, and we are disappointed to lose him, but wish him well for the next stage in his business life," umpiring coach Hayden Kennedy said.

"He adapted so well to umpiring that he was able to officiate in a final in his debut season in 2012 and within the list of senior umpires, he was an excellent team man for other umpires."