AFL goal umpire Daniel Hoskin to stand in first match since Ben Keays review controversy

The goal umpire at the centre of the controversial call which robbed Adelaide of a spot in last year’s finals series will return to the AFL ranks this weekend.

The goal umpire stood down after potentially costing Adelaide a finals berth last season is back between the posts.

Daniel Hoskin has been selected for the GWS-North Melbourne clash at Giants Stadium on Saturday – his first official match since denying the Crows a late go-ahead goal against Sydney in round 23 in August.

The AFL sidelined the South Australian for the remainder of the season because of his error, which occurred when he did not call for a score review after incorrectly deeming that a Ben Keays snap had hit the post.

Adelaide went on to lose the game by one point, ending its top-eight chances.

Hoskin returned to the fold for the umpires’ pre-season training over summer.

The Ben Keays decision which potentially cost Adelaide a finals berth. Picture: Fox Sports

He officiated the practice match between St Kilda and North Melbourne at Moorabbin on March 3 but was not involved in Opening Round.

AFL Umpires Association chief executive Rob Kerr told this masthead Hoskin had earned his opportunity.

“The AFLUA’s role has been to support Daniel through this period and that includes working with the AFL on planning his return,” Kerr said.

“We are pleased to see him back at AFL level.

“The season end was a challenging period as Daniel is truly dedicated to umpiring.

“He has worked hard to earn his return.”

AFL spokesman Jay Allen said: “Daniel returned to pre-season training and has umpired matches in the lead-up to the season. He returns to the premiership season this week and we will continue to coach and support him throughout the year”.

Wowzers. So it was a goal as I thought it was initially. Surely the ump saw Keays half-arsing the DOUBLE cobra arm flex celebration and overturned it? No other explanation. 🐍

“THE CROWS WERE ROBBED” meme can finally be rolled out once more. #AFLpic.twitter.com/BhCsnNeTZy

— Damon Jackman (@damoj88) August 19, 2023

Hoskin is one of the most experienced AFL goal umpires, having officiated 194 games, including three finals, since making his elite level debut in 2009.

He rose through the SANFL academy from 2000, umpiring the state league’s premiership decider in 2007.

Hoskin was understood to have temporarily shut down his social media accounts after the Crows-Swans match amid fan anger at what unfolded.

Ben Keays celebrates what he thought was a goal which would have put the Crows into finals. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

His return to action will come out of the spotlight in Sydney.

He will not do Adelaide Oval games in the early part of the year.

“The matches and venues umpires officiate at during the season are determined on a week-to-week basis and we will work with Daniel on his return to local matches,” Allen said.

The AFL tweaked its score review system in the wake of Hoskin’s mistake.

Since last season’s finals, the ARC has had a second senior supervisor who can tell the field umpire to hold up play so a score can be reviewed, even if an on-field official has not called for one.

Speaking last August, then-AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the goal umpire took personal accountability for his error.

“It was a goal umpiring decision that should have been reviewed and that was a mistake,” McLachlan said.

“In the umpire’s mind, there was a clear noise and a clear deflection.

“On review of the video evidence that wasn’t right.”

Crows chief executive Tim Silvers said at the time that not reviewing the score was inexplicable, given the enormity of the moment in the game and season.