AFL admit to umpire error that robbed Sydney of a crucial goal

The AFL have admitted to robbing the Sydney Swans of a goal in a tight contest that was decided by only four points.

Sydney Swans robbed of a goal

The Sydney Swans were robbed with the AFL admitting an umpiring error cost them dearly in the pursuit of their first victory.

Up against Essendon on the weekend, the Swans ultimately fell to the Bombers 7.6 (48) to 7.2 (44), but the result should have been the other day.

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Late in the third quarter a 50m penalty put Swans defender Molly Eastman 15m out on a slight angle.

Immediately after her kick Eastman began celebrating her first goal in AFLW with her teammates but was left in disbelief as the goal umpire signalled a behind.

The behind put the Swans three points behind the Bombers, when it should have put them in front 6.1 (37) to 5.5 (35).

Even the commentary crew immediately following the kick believed it was a goal and wanted to see a replay.

Eastman couldn’t believe it.

The replays began to roll only showing the same side on footage which showed left the commentary crew stating it must have hit the goalpost.

Ultimately the Swans winless streak drags on, but new footage reveals they were well and truly robbed.

Footage obtained by CODE Sports from behind the goals shows Eastman’s kick sailing through the middle of the big sticks and the goal umpire wrongly judging it to be a behind.

The AFL has acknowledged a goal umpiring error that hindered Sydney's chances of claiming a maiden AFLW victory on the weekend.https://t.co/5JwcrCWLj8@[e-mail]/6JcIRVyMrc

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) October 18, 2022

In a statement provided to CODE Sports, Swans General Manager of AFLW Kate Mahoney said it was a disappointing outcome.

“We contacted the AFL after the match and they acknowledged the mistake via email. The players were shattered after the match and whilst we will never know what the outcome if the goal had been awarded it’s disappointing to have to wear a decision like that in an elite football match,” Mahoney said.

The AFL admitted to the glaring error, offering up an apology for the mistake.

“We acknowledge that a mistake was made during the third quarter in Sydney and Essendon game on the weekend. After communicating this with Sydney the AFL thanks the Swans for their understanding,” an AFL spokesperson said.

Unlike the AFL, AFLW doesn’t have access to the goal review system with a lack of infrastructure behind the reasoning.

Sydney, currently last on the ladder, finish the 2022 AFLW season with games against Fremantle, second last, and Geelong who are currently fifth.