AFL backs goal review after close Ethan Hughes call against Richmond

A key part of the video goal review wasn’t shown as the ARC deliberated over a crucial Ethan Hughes bomb in the dying moments against Richmond. Here’s why.

Ethan Hughes of the Dockers.

THE AFL has ticked off the late goal review which helped Richmond hold off Fremantle and keep its finals hopes alive.

Fremantle’s Ethan Hughes kicked a long bomb goal which would have brought the Dockers back within four points with four minutes on the clock.

The goal umpire believed the kick touched the post before an AFL goal review deemed the vision was inconclusive.

The AFL’s ARC did not show its snicko-style Edge technology on the broadcast, which can prove whether the ball hits the post.

But the AFL said on Monday that Richmond defender Nathan Broad had also made contact with the post as he attempted to spoil the ball.

It meant the Edge system was compromised for the review, with the ARC referring the decision back to the umpire.

Did Ethan Hughes’ late shot graze the post?

The ARC delivers its verdict.

It meant the behind stood, with no definitive vision emerging to conclusively decide whether the goal went through or hit the post.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said post-match he had to trust the system.

“You just rely on the correct avenues to get it right in that situation. You trust that the review gets it right. That’s where I’ll leave it,” he said.

The Tigers still need seven wins from their last 10 games to make finals but at least have their destiny in their own hands.

They will have to replace Rhyan Mansell, who is expected to be suspended for his hit on James Aish, for their clash next week against St Kilda.

Maurice Rioli returns from a hamstring injury in the VFL on Sunday and could be a contender for that small forward role.