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David King and Jason Dunstall call out glaring umpire error during North v Eagles

An AFL legend has called out a damning issue that he believes could have played a key part in affecting the result of one game.

Why did the umpires elect to wear blue?
Why did the umpires elect to wear blue?

North Melbourne came out firing in their opening round encounter as they put the West Coast Eagles to the sword.

The contest between two teams expected by many to sit in the lower half of the ladder was never highlighted as must watch viewing.

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North Melbourne proved those doubters wrong as they showed a hunger and tenacious mindset that has been sorely lacking from their games.

Their opponents on the other hand looked all out of sorts as the Eagles fumbled and fell apart under the pressure from the Roos.

Despite their lowly showing, the Eagles have been given a reprieve from two legends calling the game on Saturday.

Former North star David King and Hawthorn great Jason Dunstall said the Eagles players looked like they were drastically outnumbered on the field, because of one poor decision.

And it had nothing to do with the game plan of master coach Alastair Clarkson, King pointed out the ludicrous decision of the umpires to wear blue kits that looked eerily like the North guernseys.

“It’s a strange choice of colour for the umpires to be wearing today, it just marries into the North Melbourne jumper too easily for me Jase,” King said on Fox Footy to Dunstall.

Dunstall replied: “There’s no reason for them to be wearing blue is there.”

Why did the umpires elect to wear blue?
Why did the umpires elect to wear blue?
Hard to tell who is a North player and who is an umpire.
Hard to tell who is a North player and who is an umpire.

After a tough opening term that saw North hold a one-point advantage, Clarkson’s men put the foot down as they ran away to hold a 34-point advantage.

In the middle of the third quarter the contest looked all but over as North held every advantage all over the ground.

Then in the blink of an eye the contest turned around as the Eagles found their wings and began to take flight.

A blistering end to the quarter saw the Eagles kick three unanswered goals to bring the margin back to 15 points with only one quarter to play.

Talented youngster Harry Sheezel has dominated during his opening game for North Melbourne, leading all players after three quarters with 24 disposals.

Nick Larkey leads all comers in front of goal with five to his name for North.

Originally published as David King and Jason Dunstall call out glaring umpire error during North v Eagles

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/afl/david-king-and-jason-dunstall-call-out-glaring-umpire-during-north-v-eagles/news-story/01b2e8f54f739d20fd6eee2ebcce00cd