Controversial free kick proves costly for North Melbourne against Brisbane

North Melbourne could consider itself “desperately stiff”, Hawks great Dermott Brereton says, after Brisbane was gifted a controversial free kick that broke the deadlock with 70 seconds left in the match.

Controversy reigns over this free kick to Lion Oscar McInerney late in the game.

Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton says the Brisbane Lions were “desperately lucky” to be awarded a crucial free kick as they won a thriller against North Melbourne.

And North coach Rhyce Shaw was baffled by the decision.

With scores at the Gabba tied at 75-all and less than 90 seconds left, Lions big man Oscar McInerney won a controversial free kick against North defender Scott Thompson in a marking contest.

WATCH THE FREE KICK IN THE PLAYER BELOW, THEN VOTE

McInerney kicked a goal to put the Lions in front with 70 seconds on the clock.

Brereton said the Roos were unlucky.

The heartbreaking loss could cost them a finals spot.

“Scotty Thomspon was stiff when he hipped out big Oscar and took the chest mark,” Brereton said on Fox Footy.

“It’s not a shepherd. He’s protected the space, the umpire probably thought there was too much time between the bodycheck and taking the chest mark.

“Oscar folds at the knees.

“It’s not in the back, this is for a shepherd of the space but most times you pay it if you shepherd the space and you don’t get back to the ball.”

A diplomatic Shaw held fire when asked about the free kick.

“I’m not sure I understood it, but that is just the way it is,” Shaw said after the match.

“I can’t do anything about that now, the game is done.’’

Brereton said the Roos could consider themselves stiff.

“I reckon that was desperately stiff and who knows, without that goal, they (Lions) might not have won.

“I reckon they were really stiff, North Melbourne.”

The Lions ended up kicking another goal before the end of the match — courtesy of another free kick, this time to Hugh McCluggage, to win by 12 points.

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Controversy reigns over this free kick to Lion Oscar McInerney late in the game.