Chris Scott has suggested the AFL should backflip on a recent rule change after Geelong were robbed of a clear goal in their four-point loss to Carlton on Friday night. The Blues pulled off a remarkable 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84) win at the MCG, continuing their resurgence under interim coach Josh Fraser.
But the major talking point from the game was the fact Geelong were robbed of a goal in the first few minutes. Ollie Dempsey got his leg to the ball before it went over the goal-line, but umpire David Rodan didn’t appear to get a good view after Carlton player Blake Acres clattered into him.
Geelong coach Chris Scott has weighed in on the controversial incident. Image: AFL/Channel 7
Acres is likely facing a fine from the AFL match review officer for making contact with the umpire, but his actions actually saved Carlton a goal and ultimately got them the win. Rather than asking for a score review from the AFL Review Centre (ARC), Rodan gave the Cats a behind. But replays showed the ball struck Dempsey below the knee, meaning it was a clear goal.
Up until Round 7, the ARC would have been able to intervene after the fact and award the Cats a goal. But the AFL changed the rules last month and stripped the ARC of the power to intervene after the resumption of play.
The rule was changed after the ARC got involved to award St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall a mark and goal over a minute after play had resumed. League officials said they didn’t want play to be disrupted like that again.
But speaking in his post-match press conference, Cats coach Scott said the ARC should be able to get involved to overturn a ‘howler’. “I probably disagree with the theory in principle that someone sitting in the ARC can’t see,” Scott said.
“The technology is there for the howler and someone within the ARC should’ve seen that was a howler within seconds. You guys (media) will talk about it more. I don’t think I really have that much more to add. All I would be doing is making the observation that’s as plain to you as it is to me.”
Ollie Dempsey and Geelong were robbed of a clear goal. Image: Channel 7
AFL world reacts to Geelong robbery against Carlton
Scott refused to say the howler cost Geelong the win because it occurred so early in the game. “I’m not sure they need my help on that or even my observation on whether it’s appropriate or not,” Scott said.
“I certainly think that they all – that whole department – should be held to high standards. But honestly, I’m not going to spend a second more thinking about it.”
Speaking on Channel 7 after the game, Xander McGuire asked whether it was a clear example of the AFL “overreacting” when they changed the rules. Carlton great Dale Thomas said it would have been solved by Rodan simply calling for a review.