Richmond deprived clear goal as AFL’s score review system fails again

The AFL admits players, clubs and fans are losing faith in the score review system after Richmond was denied a clear goal against Geelong. Here’s how it happened.

Dustin Martin and Patrick Dangerfield were in everything but it was Jack Higgins (right) and his shot at goal that was the talking point. Pic: Michael Klein

UPDATE: The AFL says it is considering an NRL-style bunker to review goal umpiring decisions after another prime-time howler.

For the third time in the space of six days — and the seventh time since the middle of last year — the contentious system failed miserably during the second quarter of last night’s Geelong and Richmond clash at the MCG.

WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Tiger Jack Higgins snapped what looked like a much-needed major for his team until the goal umpire conferred with the field umpire before saying: “I believe it is a behind, can you confirm (if) the ball hit the goalpost on the way through.”

The goal umpire was within his right to do so, even if the vision looked as if it had cleared the line without touching the post or by a Geelong defender.

STATS, SCORES: RICHMOND v GEELONG

ROBBO: MID-YEAR ALL-AUSTRALIAN SIDE

But it came as a surprise to everyone — not least the players — when the review on the scoreboard ruled it as a behind.

The score review didn’t go the Tigers’ way. Pic: AAP

The AFL issued a statement on Saturday acknowledging the clear error.

“The score review system was introduced to correct obvious scoring errors,” football operations manager Steve Hocking said.

“In the last fortnight, there have been significant errors made during score reviews that have undermined the confidence of our clubs and the football public in the system.

“The AFL acknowledges that our players, our clubs and our fans are incredibly frustrated by each mistake, and we take full responsibility for them.

Not again...... 🎥 #Mare @AFL

— Jeremy Howe (@howie0038) June 7, 2019

“We are committed to ensuring we have the best process and technology available and over the last few months have been examining all possible alternative to improve the score review system.

“We will keep the football public fully informed as we explore avenues to improve the system, such as the potential for a centralised officiating facility covering all venues and matches.

“In the interim we will continue to engage our score review officials, broadcast and technology partners in ensuring the current system operates as effectively as possible.”

Damien Hardwick on the score review 12 months ago: "Seriously, it's an embarrassment to our game. The technology is deplorable.”
He might go nuclear tonight, Dimma. #threeinaweek #AFLTigersCats

— Sam Edmund (@SammyHeraldSun) June 7, 2019

Is it any wonder players, coaches and fans have lost faith in the system? More than a few current players tweeted “Not Again”. Fair enough, too.

It further highlights why the AFL must find the necessary funds to introduce a bunker-style review system used in the NRL and in a number of overseas sports, as detailed by the Herald Sun this week.

At least this review wasn’t the difference between Richmond winning and losing, as it ultimately proved for Collingwood last week when the vision of Chris Mayne touching a third quarter “goal” from Michael Walters wasn’t available when a proper review would have overturned it.

The Magpies lost by four points.

Just imagine if it happens in a Grand Final — and it costs a team the premiership. It could happen — this year.

The Herald Sun this week revealed a goal review bunker was being considered by the AFL, who are aware of the shortcomings of the current system.

AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan confirmed it on 3AW yesterday: “We need to do better … (If there are) mistakes, we need to take responsibility for them.”

“We think the bunker concept works, and Steve Hocking is well progressed on that.

“That will, I think, make the system more efficient and have hopefully less errors.”

In a professional competition, which turns over more than $600 million per year, and where wins and losses can make or break careers and clubs, we should expect nothing less.

Originally published as Richmond deprived clear goal as AFL’s score review system fails again