‘Isn’t it clear?’ Greats back crucial last-second call in AFL thriller as Dees hero reacts

The Lions were left absolutely seething after a controversial last-second umpire call. Now AFL legends are all saying the same thing.

The crucial contest between Lever and Hipwood sparked some debate.

Fox Footy pundits say the right call was made in awarding Demlon Jake Lever the mark in the dying seconds of Melbourne’s pulsating come from-behind-one-point win over Brisbane on Friday night.

In a crucial play that got the footy world talking, the Lions had one last chance to snatch back the lead – or at least tie the game – of the MCG thriller after Jarryd Lyons booted a long ball just inside 50 to a tangled up Lever and Eric Hipwood.

The ball appeared to land right in between the chests of the two players, although Lever seemingly had more of his body behind the ball to get awarded the mark – and Channel 7 caller James Brayshaw even instantly declared “mark for Lever” – as the final siren sounded.

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Demons players and fans immediately erupted in celebration, and while some Lions players contested the decision with the umpire, it was clear that there was no second-guessing the call.

Upon watching a replay of the incident post-match, Fox Footy experts endorsed the verdict despite some initial uncertainty from triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown.

“There was only one thing to stop the momentum of the ball and that was Jake Lever’s chest. Isn’t it clear?,” former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley posed.

'Isn't it clear?' Bucks backs umpire's crucial call in Demons win pic.twitter.com/lH6h6YmMXo

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 15, 2023

Hawthorn legend Jordan Lewis agreed, saying “Oh yeah, you’re right, (the ball landed) on Jake Lever’s body, I’m on ‘Bucks’’ side,” while ex-Demons skipper Garry Lyon added: “Me too.”

Then, after watching a slow motion replay, Brown ultimately admitted the umpires got it right.

“It’s the old fashioned jump ball, absolutely,” he said.

Speaking after the win, Lever also thought he had full claim of the mark.

“I was actually trying to punch it with my other hand and somehow it landed in my lap,” the star defender told Channel 7.

“I was pretty stoked. I reckon that’s my one, what do you reckon BT (Brian Taylor)?,” who responded: “Absolutely it is.”

Definitely not a mark to Hipwood.

Even if he's controlling it (doubtful) - he's controlling it Against Levers body. That's not a mark. #AFL#AFLDeesLions

— Has the umpire made A Bad decision? (@hasumpstuffedup) July 14, 2023

A lot of talk about whether this is Lever or Hipwood’s mark. I don’t see any way in which it could be a mark to Hipwood. It’s clearly against Lever’s chest. #AFL#AFLDeesLionspic.twitter.com/Q0JXqKVOIo

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) July 14, 2023

Fascinating last play … Hipwood v Lever. Can understand Hipwood protesting.
So close to a mark, so close to around the neck to Lever.
Correct call in end, but inevitable such situations will one day be sent to a video ump.

— Mark Stevens (@StevoMedia) July 14, 2023

Originally published as ‘Isn’t it clear?’ Greats back crucial last-second call in AFL thriller as Dees hero reacts