AFL Admits Errors in Consecutive Geelong Controversies
The Australian Football League (AFL) has faced two separate controversies regarding its score and umpiring review processes in consecutive weeks, both involving the Geelong Cats. The incidents have led to public admissions of error from the league and renewed debate about the protocols governing the AFL Review Centre (ARC).
Incident One: Geelong vs. Carlton (Round 12)
The Missed Goal
In the first minute of the match on Friday night at the MCG, Geelong's Ollie Dempsey kicked the ball toward the goal line. Goal umpire David Rodan, who had been knocked over by Carlton's Blake Acres, signaled a rushed behind. The ball was quickly returned to play without a score review being called. Carlton went on to win the match 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84).
AFL and Coach Responses
- The AFL later stated that umpires should have initiated a review before play restarted but confirmed it would not change its review processes.
- Under current rules, the ARC cannot overrule a goal umpire's decision unless the umpire requests a review.
- Geelong coach Chris Scott described the incident as a "howler" but did not attribute the loss solely to the decision, noting Carlton's performance around stoppages.
"That was a howler." — Chris Scott
Incident Two: Geelong vs. Adelaide (Round 13)
The Disputed Free Kick
During the fourth quarter of Geelong's 9.14 (68) to 9.6 (60) victory over Adelaide, an incident occurred while Geelong led by two points. Tom Atkins of Geelong kicked the ball out of bounds during a contest with Adelaide's Zac Taylor. Umpires ruled that Taylor had made the last touch and awarded Geelong a free kick under the last-disposal-out-of-bounds rule. Replays indicated the ball came off Atkins' boot. From the subsequent possession, Jack Martin kicked a goal, extending Geelong's lead to eight points, which became the final margin.
AFL Statement
On Friday, the AFL released a statement acknowledging the error. The league explained that the ARC did not have adequate time to examine the incident and overturn the initial decision before play resumed. The AFL stated that if the ARC had intervened, the decision would have been overturned. The league indicated it would review its late-game procedures, including the potential to briefly stop play.
"If the ARC had intervened, the decision would have been overturned." — AFL Statement
Team and Player Reactions
- Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks stated the decision did not play a critical role in determining the game's result, instead focusing on his team's loss of contested possession.
- Geelong coach Chris Scott suggested that stopping play to allow ARC intervention could be a solution, prioritizing accuracy over game flow.
- Tom Atkins commented after the game, calling the incident "pretty line ball" and stating he "just tried to grab the ball and act like it was mine."
Context and Commentary
Previous Rule Change
The AFL amended score review protocols in April 2025 after 30 seconds of play were scrubbed from a match between St Kilda and the West Coast Eagles. The change prevented the ARC from overruling a goal umpire's decision unless the umpire called for a review.
Commentator Observations
- Former North Melbourne player David King commented on Fox Footy that Atkins "outsmarted the men in green."
- Three-time Richmond premiership player Jack Riewoldt stated, "If you're going to look at the first one, they have to look at the second."
- Australian Football Hall of Fame member Jason Dunstall advocated for ARC intervention in such moments regardless of whether play has resumed.
"Atkins outsmarted the men in green." — David King
League Standings and Upcoming Matches
Geelong remained in fourth place on the ladder following their win over Adelaide, improving their record to 9-4. Adelaide played without key players Jordan Dawson, Taylor Walker, Rory Laird, and Callum Ah-Chee.