AFL so in love with Dustin Martin it forgot the rules
If St Kilda fans weren’t already frustrated with the umpiring enough, they had to put up with the AFL celebrating a clear unpaid free kick.
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Hell of a game by Dustin Martin on Friday night.
Twenty-five disposals, six clearances, one goal – and if Bachar Houli wasn’t best-on-ground the two-time Norm Smith Medalist was in a 31-point win that put the Tigers through to a prelim against Port.
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It led to the type of fawning commentary the Yellow and Black Army adore – and drives the rest of the footy world crazy.
But the AFL social media account went a step further – rubbing salt in the wounds of St Kilda supporters who had plenty of other reasons to be peeved at the umpiring by celebrating this moment.
When Dusty wants the footy, you let him have the footy ðŸ‰#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/NLTJNZUcIY
— AFL (@AFL) October 9, 2020
“When Dusty wants the footy, you let him have the footy,” the AFL wrote, as Martin took the ball from the hands of teammate Shai Bolton after Bolton had clearly gained possession first.
But the Dusty love-fest ignored one critical piece of information footy followers were quick to remind the AFL about – it’s against the rules to hand the ball to another player.
“The audacity to tweet this,” replied Sam Colquhoun.
“The social media guy doesn’t even know the rules,” added Robert Tinney.
“Caption should read: When Dusty throws the footy, you let it be legal,” wrote James Cockman.
“AFL’s been in Queensland long enough for rugby passing, although might need to wait til next year to work out they can’t go forward,” Daniel Brettig said.
“Every single comment pointing out it’s a throw. The AFL happy as the ball kept moving and it’s the golden child from the golden team. Sick of it,” wrote another.
St Kilda was also cruelly denied a critical goal during the second quarter when Jack Sinclair booted the footy towards the posts.
Nick Vlastuin attempted to punch the ball before it bounced over the goal line between the sticks, and the Richmond defender immediately claimed it was touched.
But although the commentary team were adamant the Sherrin had not been touched, only one point was awarded because the on-field umpire’s call was a behind.
The score review umpire said: “Looking at these angles, there is inconclusive evidence to confirm or overturn the umpire’s call.”
Saints fans erupted in the stands at Metricon Stadium when the decision was displayed on the big screen, and plenty of viewers voiced their disgust.
3AW sports broadcaster Shane McInnes tweeted: “INCONCLUSIVE??!?! There was daylight behind fist and ball. So much for, ‘What if it’s a final?’”
Originally published as AFL so in love with Dustin Martin it forgot the rules