Controversial finish in one-point thriller as North win second straight

Controversy has erupted on Saturday night in Perth as one team was denied a chance after the siren to win their first game.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 25: Alex Pearce of the Dockers questions a call with the umpires after the siren during the round 2 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium, on March 25, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

All hell broke loose in the dying minutes as North Melbourne held on in chaotic scenes to make it two straight wins.

After looking like they were going to secure an easy victory, Fremantle came home with a wet sail kicking three goals to bring the margin back to one point.

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The Dockers kept launching attack after attack as they looked for a matchwinning goal or even a point to capture the draw.

But North Melbourne were resolute in defence with rookie Harry Sheezel toe-poking the ball off the line to ultimately save the four points.

It was however the final kick of the game that will be the talk of the football world after it was cleared from the goalsquare before it rolled out of bounds.

The ball flew towards the boundary around 40m out from goal before bouncing out. It was deliberate every day of the week, unfortunately for Fremantle the umpires ultimately determined the game was over.

Replays after the confusion appeared to show the ball had crossed the line before the siren sounded and prior to the umpire signalling the end of the game.

“The siren went before it went out of bounds. That‘s the call we’ve made.”

Watch the controversial moment in the video player above

Chaos reigns in one-point thriller

“I believe, just from my opinion here, that should be a Fremantle free kick,” Cameron Ling said on Channel 7’s post-game coverage.

SEN’s Tom Morris wrote: “The field umpire can’t pay ‘insufficient intent’ until AFTER the boundary umpire signals the ball has gone out. In that small window the siren has gone. Game over the correct call (if only just).”

Brad Johnson said North players were celebrating before the ball had gone out of bounds after hearing the siren.

“North Melbourne’s players arms go in the air, and the ball is out of play. So they hear the siren and celebrate,” Johnson said on Fox Footy.

“If you pause, you look where the Sherrin is.

“I think it’s out of play when that siren goes, going off when the North Melbourne players raise their arms in celebration.”

Give us the kick. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Despite the controversial finish stealing the limelight, fans couldn’t overlook the magic from Sheezel who in only his second game saved North’s skin.

Broadcaster Daniel Garb wrote: “Match winning play from Harry Sheezel. Amazing composure for a second gamer to keep that ball alive on the goal line under pressure. What a start to his career.”

Sheezel toe poke 😮 #AFLFreoNorth

— Tom Papley (@TomPapley) March 25, 2023

22 kicks for Harry Sheezel - but this was the most important pic.twitter.com/5Mc0ms0lqa

— The Phantom (@ThePhantomSC) March 25, 2023

The Alistair Clarkson era at North Melbourne has begun with two consecutive wins to start the season.

Another brilliant Luke Davies-Uniacke performance at Optus Stadium led the Roos to victory.

Davies-Uniacke was everywhere and had good support again by Sheezel, who followed up his 34 touches on debut in the season-opening win against West Coast, with another match-high 28 disposals against the Dockers.

Remember, North only won two games last season.

The last time they won their first two games was in 2020, beating St Kilda, who played finals and Greater Western Sydney who finished 10th.

Clarkson will be looking for a better follow-through this time around though. They only won more game that year.

– with Brad Elborough, NCA Newswire