AFL Acknowledges Umpiring Error in Geelong’s Narrow Loss
The Australian Football League (AFL) has admitted that umpires should have called for a review to correct what Geelong coach Chris Scott described as a “howler” that cost his team a goal in their close four-point loss to Carlton. Despite this acknowledgment, the league has decided not to make any additional changes to the AFL Review Centre (ARC) process following the incident.
During the match at the MCG, wingman Ollie Dempsey appeared to score the first goal of the game in the opening minute. Replays clearly showed that he shinned the ball through on the goal line. However, goal umpire David Rodan was accidentally knocked over by Carlton’s Blake Acres at the time and signaled a rushed behind. The ball was quickly returned to play by the Blues without a score review being initiated.
Scott expressed his frustration with the situation, stating, “I probably disagree with the theory in principle that someone sitting in the ARC can’t see.” He emphasized that the technology exists for the ARC to identify such errors within seconds. “You guys (the media) will talk about it more. I don’t think I really have that much more to add,” he said. “All I would be doing is making the observation that’s as plain to you as it is to me.”
The AFL recently made a rule change, allowing the ARC to only override a goal umpire’s decision if the umpires themselves call for a review. This change came after an incident where nearly a minute passed before the ARC ruled a St Kilda behind should have been a mark to Rowan Marshall on the goal line. If the new rule had been in place, the ARC could have awarded the Cats and Dempsey a goal on review.
Scott did not blame the loss on the controversial umpiring decision, instead praising Carlton’s performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh in the midfield. “I hope you can tell it’s the rub of the green sort of stuff in my opinion,” he said. “I completely accept that the AFL should spend some time on their processes. But we’ll let them do that and we’ll move on … the last 109 minutes will be our focus in review.”
Geelong’s defeat to Carlton left them with an 8-4 record, placing them fourth on the ladder. They are one win and percentage ahead of Gold Coast and Melbourne, who both have one game in hand. The Cats’ next challenge is a tough away game against Adelaide on Thursday night.
Key Points from the Incident
- The error occurred during the opening minute of the match when Ollie Dempsey appeared to score a goal.
- Goal umpire David Rodan was knocked over by Carlton’s Blake Acres, leading to a rushed behind being called.
- The ball was returned to play without a score review, despite clear replays showing the goal.
- Coach Chris Scott criticized the decision, stating that the ARC should have identified the error.
- The AFL recently changed the rules so that the ARC can only override a goal umpire’s decision if the umpires call for a review.
- Scott did not blame the loss on the umpiring but acknowledged the need for the AFL to review its processes.
Impact on the Season
Geelong’s loss to Carlton has left them in a tight position on the ladder. With an 8-4 record, they are just one win and percentage ahead of Gold Coast and Melbourne. Both teams have one game in hand, which could impact the final standings. Scott focused on the positive aspects of the game, crediting Carlton’s strong performance and emphasizing the need to move forward.
The team will now turn their attention to their upcoming match against Adelaide, a challenging test that will require strong performances from all players. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on improving their form and securing crucial wins to maintain their position in the top four.
