A Controversial Decision and the AFL’s Score Review System
Geelong coach Chris Scott has raised concerns about the AFL’s score review system after a controversial call during a high-stakes match at the MCG. The incident, which saw the Cats lose a potential first-quarter goal, sparked debate over the effectiveness of the technology in place to prevent such errors.
The key moment came when Ollie Dempsey’s disposal was ruled a rushed behind by goal umpire David Rodan. This decision, which could have been the first goal of the game, was made without the involvement of the AFL review centre (ARC) due to the quick restart of play. The situation highlighted a flaw in the recently amended protocols for score reviews.
The AFL acknowledged that a review should have been called before the game resumed, but they confirmed they would not be changing their current processes. This decision comes in the wake of a similar incident last month, where more than 30 seconds of play were erased from a game between the Saints and the Eagles. In that case, Rowan Marshall was deemed to have taken a mark before the ball crossed the behind line, leading to a rule change that now limits the ARC’s ability to overturn a goal umpire’s decision unless the umpire themselves requests a review.
The non-goal proved pivotal in a tightly contested match that ended with Carlton winning by just four points – 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84). Despite the loss, Scott did not directly attack the AFL, but he clearly felt the system had failed in this instance.
“I’d probably disagree in principle with the idea that someone’s sitting in the ARC, and they can’t see [it],” Scott said. “The technology is there for the howler, and someone within the ARC should have seen that was a howler within seconds.”
While Scott accepted that the decision could not be overturned under the current rules, he questioned whether the process itself was still fit for purpose. He emphasized that the issue seemed obvious in real time, which added to the frustration.
“From the outset I thought it was worthy of a review,” he said. “It’s surprising [it wasn’t picked up in real time], but I’m easily surprised with this stuff.”
Scott also expressed his frustration with the theatrics surrounding the score review system, noting that it often takes too long, even when the outcome is clear.
He was asked about the AFL’s role in the incident, given the recent changes to the rules. While he acknowledged that some issues might need attention, he stated that it was not a priority for him.
“There are some things I’d like to have my opinion heard on – that’s so far down the list. I’m not sure they need my help,” he said. “That whole department should be held to high standards, but, honestly, I’m not going to spend a second more thinking about it.”
Despite the controversy, Scott focused on the performance of Carlton, emphasizing that the Blues’ strong stoppage work and improved form under caretaker coach Josh Fraser were key factors in the win.
“Stoppage work is a real strength of theirs,” he said. “If you sort of take them on at that area, you’d want to be pretty good, yourself.”
The loss left Geelong still in the premiership conversation, but it ended a strong run of form as they prepare for a challenging stretch of the season. The fallout from the ARC controversy is likely to continue, with Scott’s main point being that the AFL should use its investment in technology to correct obvious mistakes.
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