AFL weighs in on controversial Jeremy Cameron ‘out of bounds’ rulings

The spotlight has been on two controversial rulings that led to goals for Geelong star Jeremy Cameron — and now the AFL has had its say.

The AFL has backed in a controversial call to allow Geelong star Jeremy Cameron’s mark and subsequent goal in the third quarter of Friday night’s pulsating loss to Collingwood.

But a handball dished to Cameron by teammate Brad Close that resulted in a goal the next quarter should not have been allowed, given the ball was out of bounds.

Collingwood defenders Brayden Maynard and Nathan Murphy couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw the replay of Cameron’s mark in the third term at the MCG, with the Cat forward appearing to mark Isaac Smith’s pass over the boundary line.

Cameron went back to slot a magnificent banana goal, leaving Magpie fans irate.

The AFL on Saturday pointed to other camera angles of the Cameron mark, which it claimed showed he caught the ball while it was over the boundary line and not out on the full.

The boundary umpire was within touching distance of the mark and didn’t call out on the full, with the AFL backing the decision and declaring “we back the umpire that the correct call was made”.

Jeremy Cameron appeared to take a mark over the boundary line in Geelong’s clash with Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images

“Out of bounds should be called when there is a ‘clear’ gap between the boundary line and ball,” the AFL said.

“While the broadcast angle looks out of bounds, an additional angle points to Cameron taking the ball on the line and hence controlling the ball on the line.”

Cameron would later kick a left foot snap in the fourth quarter after Close marked the ball near the boundary line, with Close handballing to Cameron when both players were outside the field of play.

The AFL said that goal should not have stood and a ball in should have occurred.

Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd said post-match he was “just glad that Collingwood won that game of football” and “it would have been robbery” if the Cats won after Cameron’s goals.

Jeremy Cameron’s goals could have been crucial for the Cats. Picture: Getty Images

The Pies won the blockbuster by eight points to remain on top of the ladder and plunge Geelong’s finals hopes into jeopardy.

North Melbourne premiership player David King said the AFL should consider implementing a review system during play for incidents involving the boundary line.

Goal umpire David Rodan was also caught in a bizarre moment after the final siren, when he appeared to signal that Geelong youngster Ollie Henry’s set shot went through the behinds, only to then signal a goal.

Originally published as AFL weighs in on controversial Jeremy Cameron ‘out of bounds’ rulings