AFL 2020: Andrew McGrath free kick in Essendon vs Brisbane unites footy

The footy world has been united by shared rage at the embarrassing scenes that overshadowed Brisbane’s thumping of Essendon.

Another embarrassing free kick

An embarrassing umpire face has overshadowed the Brisbane Lions’ mauling of Essendon on the Gold Coast.

The Lions cemented their spot in the top four, but the footy world was far more concerned with the series of shambolic umpire decisions that have followed the league’s decision to change rule interpretations on the run this season.

AFL umpires boss Hayden Kennedy last week phoned St Kilda coach Brett Ratten and Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks to admit a series of umpire blunders following their Round 7 match — and the league looks certain to be forced into another apology this week after Friday night’s clash at Metricon Stadium.

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TV commentators and even fans at the game were furious at the series of free kicks awarded on the back of the league’s holding the ball rule interpretation changes.

It was highlighted by a third quarter incident when Essendon star Andrew McGrath dived on the Sherrin before standing up with strength as Lions player Jarryd Lyons wrapped him up in a tackle.

With Lyons holding the ball in a bear hug, McGrath fell to the ground while still holding the ball.

The umpires blew the whistle as he hit the turf to ping him for holding the ball.

The pain was compounded by a 50m penalty handed to Zach Merrett when the Bombers star appeared to complain about the free kick.

The decision enraged footy commentators and earned a tongue-lashing from Channel 7 commentators Bruce McAvaney and Luke Hodge.

Andy McGrath got pinged for holding the ball for this 😳#AFLDonsLions pic.twitter.com/pfhOUrdA92

— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 31, 2020

“This is not what this rule is brought in for,” Hodge said.

“He dives in, yes, he is on the ground but he gets up. Jarryd Lyons is doing just as much.

“That’s not what the rule is there for. That’s the frustration. It is the change of interpretation. I feel for the umpires because they’re getting told something late and they’ve got to tweak it in between rounds.”

Andrew McGrath didn’t get a fair go.

McAvaney said: “You said something, Hodgey, that made me bristle but that’s OK. Tweaking between the rounds. That’s not what we should be doing. We shouldn’t be tweaking anything between the rounds.

“You start the season, you finish the season with exactly the same rules and interpretations.”

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The change of interpretation on holding the ball free kicks has resulted in a significant change to the fabric of the game since Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson called on the league earlier this year to reward tacklers with free kicks.

The violent overcorrection has created weekly headaches for footy fans and players.

Footy commentators on Friday night vented their frustration on Twitter.

The Herald Sun’s Glenn McFarlane suggested the McGrath free kick could have been the worst of the 2020 season.

“Worst free kick of the year? Gee, it’s in the discussion,” he posted on Twitter.

I’m sorry, but that’s horrific. McGrath very stiff. #AFLDonsLions

— Luke D'Anello (@LukeDAnello) July 31, 2020

That McGrath holding the ball ... COME. ON. That's a joke, surely? Everyone will stand around and look at the ball soon. No point getting it.

— Michael Whiting (@MichaelWhiting) July 31, 2020

I scoffed when people said the holding-the-ball interpretation meant players wouldn’t go for the ball any more. This is the first time I actually worried it might be true. McGrath hunts it and gets to his feet. Still gets penalised pic.twitter.com/9wWCwl5bVW

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 31, 2020

The Andy McGrath holding the ball. 😂😂😂😂

— Matthew Richardson (@mattricho0) July 31, 2020

I know we all tuned in for Friday Night Umpiring. #AFLDonsLions

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) July 31, 2020

McGrath free kick has to be right up there as the worst free kick of the year.
Horrible night from that perspective. The umpiring has been something else indeed. #AFLDonsLions

— Alex Fair (@AJFair85) July 31, 2020