One year ago an umpiring blunder decided who played finals; we’re just a week away from a sorry repeat. Plus the clear flaw Sydney can’t ignore and tough call on a champion midfielder, and Essendon told to dump one of its biggest names. The big issues from Round 23 of the 2024 AFL season analysed in A controversial late decision at Adelaide Oval deciding who makes the eight? C’mon AFL, you need a new script.
Twelve months ago, it was , with the AFL later admitting they should have been awarded a goal against Sydney. Because that decision happened in Round 23, and it so visibly cost the Crows, the footy world talked about it for weeks - remember, Adelaide if that goal had been paid (and they’d held on for another minute to win, and other results held). Timing is everything.
The AFL also admitted to a blunder which arguably decided a game at Adelaide Oval this year - but it was back in April, so nobody is talking about it. Well, it’s worth remembering that . And guess who might keep Freo out of the eight? If likely results occur in Round 24, the Blues will finish 8th, and the Dockers will finish 9th.
And the four points Michael Voss’ men pinched back in Gather Round are a massive reason why. Here’s a reminder of what happened. Freo led by two points with 90 seconds left before Matt Cottrell was awarded a mark 30 metres out directly in front; except the ball was touched, and every Docker knew it.
It wasn’t paid as touched. (The AFL later admitted this was wrong.).