Ben Keays tried his best to suppress his disbelief.
“Wow … I will probably leave it at that, I hope you guys don’t mind,” the Adelaide forward said.
Keays was reacting to the AFL’s backflip, which will no longer allow the ARC to amend decisions after play has resumed.
The left-footer was at the centre of the previous change when he was denied of a finals-shaping goal against Sydney in 2023.
The goal umpire incorrectly called Keays’ late goal against the Swans in Round 23 a behind, which ultimately cost the Crows a spot in the finals.
This year the ARC could bring the ball back to the goal line even if it had gone live to ensure the correct call.
But after some teething issues over the weekend, the AFL reverted to the ruling that cost Keays and the Crows three seasons ago.
Keays wasn’t aware of the change and was caught off guard by the update when asked on Tuesday.
“So, you can take the ball and play on from a point kick-in, and it’s back to that (rule)? Wow,” Keays said.
“Well, yeah, that’s my first instance finding out about that, um yeah, it’s interesting.
“Since I haven’t prepared a response, I will probably leave it at that, I hope you guys don’t mind.”
Those fine margins that cost Adelaide a finals berth in 2023 could again come into play in Friday night’s all-encompassing Showdown.
The Crows are three wins from seven matches with a percentage of 96.1 after bowing out of last season’s finals without a scalp.
Port Adelaide is fresh off a brilliant win over Geelong and remarkably enter the Showdown with the possibility of putting a dent in Adelaide’s premiership chances.
“I just love the energetic and intense atmosphere, sort of the hum of the crowd,” Keays said in anticipation of the Showdown.
“That’s what makes it such an amazing fixture, it’s like a bit of a cauldron out there on the Adelaide Oval and that’s created by both sets of fans.
“I am looking forward to all the Crows fans being there in full voice and bringing that intense atmosphere.”
Adelaide is yet to make a decision on whether its captain and Showdown hero Jordan Dawson will play after the sudden death of his brother.
Dawson played last weekend against Brisbane but was visibly emotional after the game.
Keays said the Crows would continue to support Dawson and his availability.
“Absolutely, we’re going to support Daws however he needs, support his family as a club and whatever he needs we’ll be there for him,” he said.
Originally published as AFL 2026: Adelaide forward Ben Keays reacts to ARC backflip ahead of season-defining Showdown