A Controversial Decision and the AFL’s Score Review System
Geelong coach Chris Scott has raised concerns about the AFL’s score review system following a controversial moment during a high-stakes match at the MCG. The incident, which saw the Cats lose a potential first-quarter goal, sparked a debate about the effectiveness of the technology used in the league.
The Incident That Changed the Game
The key moment occurred when Ollie Dempsey’s disposal was ruled a rushed behind by goal umpire David Rodan. This decision prevented the game from being reviewed by the AFL review centre (ARC) due to the immediate restart of play. The AFL later admitted that a review should have been called, but it has decided not to alter its current processes.
This situation is not new. Last month, a similar issue arose during a Saints vs. Eagles game involving Rowan Marshall, where more than 30 seconds of play were erased after a rule change. Following this, the AFL introduced new protocols stating that the ARC would no longer overrule a goal umpire’s decision unless the umpire requested a review.
The Impact on the Match Outcome
The non-goal proved pivotal in a tightly contested match that ended with Carlton winning by just four points. The final score was 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84), with Carlton overcoming a 20-point deficit in front of over 60,000 fans.
Scott did not directly criticize the AFL but expressed his belief that the system had failed in this instance. “The goal umpire got knocked over. I’d probably disagree in principle with the idea that someone’s sitting in the ARC, and they can’t see [it],” he said. He emphasized that the technology exists for such situations and should be utilized effectively.
Criticisms and Reflections
While acknowledging that the decision could not be overturned under current rules, Scott questioned whether the process itself remained fit for purpose. “From the outset I thought it was worthy of a review,” he said. He also noted that the issue seemed obvious in real time, expressing frustration with the lack of immediate action.
“I’m not a huge fan of all the theatrics around the score review [system]. It seems to take a long time a lot, sometimes when it’s just so obvious that you don’t need a review,” he added.
Scott was asked about the AFL’s role in the incident, especially given the recent changes to the rules. While he mentioned that there are things he would like to comment on, he stated that it was not a priority. “I’m not sure they need my help,” he said.
Moving Forward
Despite the controversy, Scott focused on the performance of Carlton rather than placing blame on the decision. “You guys will talk about it more,” he said. “I don’t think I really have that much more to add. I thought they [the Blues] were really sharp.”
He pointed to Carlton’s dominance around stoppages and their improvement under caretaker coach Josh Fraser. After conceding four of the game’s first five goals, the Blues took control and punished Geelong in transition. Players like Jagga Smith and Will Hayward played key roles in the comeback, while skipper Patrick Cripps secured the win.
Scott acknowledged the difficulty of containing Carlton’s stoppage work. “Stoppage work is a real strength of theirs. The contested ball is a real strength, and if you sort of take them on at that area, you’d want to be pretty good, yourself,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The loss left Geelong still in the premiership conversation but ended a strong run of form heading into a challenging stretch of the season. The fallout from the ARC controversy is likely to linger, as Scott emphasized the importance of using the technology to correct obvious mistakes.
“Given the AFL has invested in technology designed to eliminate obvious mistakes, it should be empowered to correct them,” he concluded.
