Bell Post Hill coach Ash Witney had no doubts about final shot for goal against Werribee
Bell Post Hill’s coach says an umpire’s decision to disallow a final shot for goal, that would have given Werribee a one-point win, was correct.
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Bell Post Hill coach Ash Witney said there was no doubt in his mind about a disputed non-goal decision in a thrilling finish at Galvin Oval on Saturday.
Werribee Centrals’ Carmelo Saliba reportedly slotted one from close to the 50m arc but the umpire ultimately ruled it was kicked after the final siren.
Centrals playing coach Rhyce Prismall was also reportedly put on report following the match which was decided by five points.
The Panthers recorded their first win of the GDFNL season, getting home 13.10 (88) to 12.11 (83) after two bad losses to open their account.
However, the win came at a cost with Danny Grey set for surgery after what Witney described as a shattered ankle.
Witney said he had no doubt about the decision and the only concern he had was that the umpire didn’t hear the siren.
“He did kick it after the siren,” Witney said.
“The umpire was right there, he was right next to the bloke when he kicked it, you could see his hands.
“I wasn’t even worried about it to be honest ... I knew 100 per cent he kicked it after (the siren).
“It wasn’t controversial to me at all the decision. It’s as plain as day.”
However, Witney didn’t see Prismall get reported and wasn’t aware until later in the changerooms.
AFL Barwon was contacted to clarify the report of Prismall.
Witney said it was a relief for the Panthers to win their first game of the season after some disappointing efforts, losing by 64 points to North Geelong and the Belmont Lions by 36 to open the GDFNL season.
“It was a relief, the boys have put in a lot of work,” he said.
“We let ourselves down Round 1.
“It was just our decision making and skill errors that let us down, nothing against North Geelong, they played a good game as well, but it wasn’t from pressure.
“I think we gave away three or four goals in the third quarter in the Belmont game ... in the first 12 minutes.
“And when you’re playing good sides and have a tough draw, you can’t do that.
“You can’t relax for a quarter, or for 15 minutes.”
The five-point win continues an extremely tight start to the GDFNL season overall.
Barring the Panthers’ two losses, and Winchelsea’s 98-point smashing of Corio on Saturday evening, all games have been decided by an average of eight points.
“It’s crazy,” Witney said.
“Everything’s within a couple of goals.”
Meanwhile, the Panthers have talked champion goalkicker Scott Hughes out of retirement, after three games with Modewarre in 2024, kicking two on Saturday.
“He felt like he had a little bit left in him,” he said.
“I think it was just with work, then he had a baby and stuff like that.
“He’s fitting in really well with the boys.”
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