AFL world loses it over goal umpire’s outrageous opening term act
An AFL goal umpire has drawn widespread praise from the football community after pulling off an absurd feat on Sunday.
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Goal umpires have come under heavy fire from footy fans throughout the 2024 AFL season, but on Sunday one left fans in disbelief.
In the opening quarter of the Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns contest at the SCG, goal umpire Taylor Mattioli put her body on the line.
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As Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy launched a shot at goal from outside 50, several players bunched up on the goal line to spoil the ball.
Unfortunately as Mattioli got into position, Suns defender Sam Collins crashed into her side and sent her tumbling to the deck.
But that didn’t stop her from keeping an eye on the footy and making an astonishing call on the contest.
After speaking to the on-field umpire, Mattioli stated she believed the ball had been touched before crossing the goal line.
As the score review took over, replays showed that Mattioli had nailed her decision with Jarrod Witts getting a clear hand on the footy.
Her outstanding efforts earned widespread praise from across the footy community.
Former footy player Daniel Gorringe said: “Give this goal umpire a pay rise.”
Seven sports’ Ricky Mangidis wrote: “How’s the dedication from the goal umpire keeping her eyes on the ball from this position.”
Another user wrote: “This goal umpire is “next level” committed to correct decisions.”
The Swans ultimately made light work of the Suns as they rolled away to claim the 17.8 (110) to 8.9 (57) victory.
The win moves the Swans into third place on the ladder at 5-1 while the Suns fall to 3-3 and sit outside the top eight.
“We had a good break. It probably came at a good time for us, we needed to work on some things and we did that,” Tom Papley said.
“It showed today, we were back to our best in defence and got some good forward half turnovers.
“Our focus was defence, front half turnovers and pressure – I think our pressure was at 1.92 the whole game – they were our KPIs and we probably ticked them off today.
“We know our attack is going to be there we just need to get that defence right.”
In his 200th AFL game, Grundy proved to be the difference maker as he finished with 24 disposals, 15 contested, 29 hit-outs and a career-high 11 tackles.
He consistently followed up at the contest and applied great defensive pressure to set the tone in John Longmire’s engine room.
“I remember in my 100th game I didn’t really stop and smell the roses,” Grundy told Fox Footy.
“Obviously there’s been a lot that’s happened the last 100. I’m definitely stopping and smelling these roses.
“It’s been great, feeling right at home and particularly on this ground, the SCG. I’m just loving my footy and having fun. If I can continue to do that, I think I play my best footy.”
Originally published as AFL world loses it over goal umpire’s outrageous opening term act
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