‘Looked a mile out’: Umpiring howler leads to easy Eagles goal

AFL fans and commentators have been left shaking their heads over an umpiring howler that you simply have to see to believe.

The umpire was in prime position.

Move over Wayne Harmes, there’s a new boundary line howler that has taken the throne.

In the first quarter of Port Adelaide’s season opener against the West Coast Eagles, a bizarre moment unfolded.

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The Eagles surged forward with Jamie Cripps hoisting one deep inside the forward 50, with the ball going over the head of Jake Waterman and Aliir Aliir and tumbling towards the boundary line.

Waterman quickly hunted the ball down and appeared to collect it well beyond the line but no call from the boundary umpire was coming.

The Eagles forward kept on his way before handballing it to Jack Petruccelle outside the goal square who slotted the goal.

Fans in the stands and even the Fox Footy commentary crew couldn’t believe what had just unfolded.

“It’s going to beat him over,” Kelli Underwood said as her voice trailed off before realising that play was continuing on.

“The umpire hasn’t blown his whistle, this is going to be play on, they can’t believe it. Petruccelle has kicked the easiest goal you’ll ever see and listen to the fans.”

Watch the umpiring howler in the video player above

Waterman was a mile out.

Replays then began to roll which left the rest of the commentators stunned as an umpire was in prime position to see it unfold.

“That looked a mile out and the umpire is in a fantastic position … but play on,” Nick Dal Santo bemoaned.

“The crowd had a better chance at getting a hand on that ball.”

Loud boos rang out around Adelaide Oval as fans watching on joined in the chorus of disbelief over the umpiring howler.

Triple M’s Rudi Edsall wrote: “That ball was in Perth.”

Journalist Rohan Connolly wrote: “Waterman’s just taken a ball that was at LEAST a metre out of bounds and Eagles get a goal from it! Fair to say Port fans not happy.”

Another user wrote: “I’m not saying Waterman was completely out of bounds then, but I am saying he collected a hot chip off a patron from the first row while gathering that ball.”

That ball was so far out I heard footsteps outside my front window, stuck my head out, and saw Jake Waterman running past #AFLPowerEagles

— Ricky Mangidis (@rickm18) March 17, 2024

The goal from Petrucelle brought the Eagles back to within three points of the Power just minutes before the quarter-time break.

Fired up fans were quick to put the incident behind them as the Power came out guns blazing in the second quarter.

Three quick goals saw the lead balloon from five points out to 25 as the Eagles’ fighting spirit failed to keep up with the home team.

The Power went into the rooms at halftime holding the 9.10 (64) to 5.3 (33) lead.

Connor Rozee returned to his damaging best by racking up 18 first half disposals ahead of teammates Ollie Wines and Zak Butters who had 14 apiece.

On debut, West Coast’s No. 1 draft pick Harley Reid had nine disposals, three clearances and four tackles.