A Thrilling Showdown and the Controversial Calls That Almost Cost Adelaide
The AFL narrowly avoided a major controversy following a thrilling Showdown match, with controversial umpiring and decisions from the Australian Rules Football (ARC) system nearly costing Adelaide the win. The game, held at the Adelaide Oval, saw league boss Andrew Dillon and head of football Greg Swann in attendance, making the outcome even more significant.
A Wayne Milera goal in the fourth term seemed to put the Crows two goals ahead and secure their victory. However, this goal was overturned due to a questionable push on the goal line as the ball was being shepherded through. This decision sparked immediate debate among fans and former players alike.
The ball then flew down the other end, with Joe Berry putting Port Adelaide back in front with under a minute to play, potentially changing the trajectory of both teams’ seasons. However, Adelaide wingman Brayden Cook managed to kick one last goal on the run with just 10 seconds left on the clock, securing the win for the Crows and preventing what could have been a weekend of outrage from fans.
Former players were quick to voice their opinions on social media. 2011 Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan expressed his frustration, stating:
“The umpiring though. No beuno. Would not of (sic) blamed the Crows fans if they ripped down the stadium in protest after couple of those late free kicks paid against. Back to the VFL for some (umpires) next week.”
Paul Seedsman, a former Adelaide star, was equally critical:
“Umpires jump on the bin. This has been horrendous – wear the prison bars (Port Adelaide guernsey) next time at least. Thankfully Andrew Dillon and Greg Swann are in attendance. They can do something about it. The cookie monster (Brayden Cook) has saved the AFL (from) another apology to the Crowies.”
Josh Jenkins, another ex-Adelaide champion, believed the AFL needed the Crows to win to avoid an explosion of criticism towards the umpires.
“This sport cannot afford Port to win after that free kick. Wowee. Seriously. The AFL badly needed Adelaide to win that game. The joint would’ve erupted losing a game on another late game decision again.”
The controversial call wasn’t limited to the final moments of the game. Earlier in the night, the ARC overturned a Crows goal, claiming the ball had gone over the top of the post. The crowd made their displeasure known, with Dillon and Swann heavily booed after being shown on the big screen following the ARC call.
Ken Hinkley, former Port Adelaide coach, joked about the timing of the camera operators during the Fox Footy broadcast, saying they had done well to show the pair at that moment.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks, however, deflected questions about the umpiring in his press conference.
“What a spectacle. Things happen. I’m glad it finished the way it did,” Nicks said with a smile.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the AFL’s ARC system, which has undergone several tweaks in recent rounds due to multiple controversies. The Crows have been at the center of several umpiring disputes in recent years, with one of the most glaring instances occurring in the final round of the 2023 season. A Ben Keays goal was incorrectly ruled a point, ultimately costing Adelaide a top-eight spot.
