AFL fans were up in arms after a crucial shot for goal by Melbourne skipper Max Gawn was disallowed in controversial fashion.
AFL fans were stunned after an apparent goal to Melbourne captain Max Gawn was ruled a behind and the crucial call wasn’t even reviewed in Saturday’s Grand Final against the Western Bulldogs.
Thankfully for Melbourne, the controversial call wasn’t a factor in the final result as the Demons ran away with the game to record a dominant 74-point win.
Watch Fox Footy’s massive line-up of Grand Final week coverage on Kayo including live pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage with full analysis from the best team in the business. New to Kayo? Start your free trial >
Gawn, who kicked five goals in the Demons’ preliminary final win, fancied his chances when he took a mark about 50 metres out on the boundary line in the first quarter.
The ruckman’s set shot sailed high and appeared to those watching at the ground and on television to just sneak inside the right goalpost for a goal.
But the goal umpire, who was standing right behind the goalpost in a perfect position to make a decision, immediately motioned for a behind.
The inspirational Demons skipper thought he had pulled off a miraculous goal, raising his arms wide in a bewildered shrug, astonished at the call.
Fans and former AFL players were shocked it wasn’t ruled a goal and the lineball call wasn’t even sent to be reviewed by the AFL Review Centre (ARC).
“I thought it went through. So did Maxy,” Hawthorn great Luke Hodge said in commentary on Channel 7.
“From that angle, it looks like the umpire was in a perfect position. He called it. Maxy was shocked.”
A fresh camera angle of the kick from a fan sitting high in the grandstand directly behind the goalpost in question added to the theory Gawn was robbed of a goal.
The vision appeared to show the ball going just inside the post, suggesting a goal should have been called.
Ex-Melbourne player Tommy Bugg was in disbelief Gawn’s shot at goal wasn’t reviewed.
“Still in shock at the Gawn no goal call,” he tweeted. “Isn’t that why we have a review system?”
Channel 7 sports reporter Andrew McCormack said: “Gee that’s as clear as day. Absolute shocker.”
Ex-GWS Giants media manager Leigh Meyrick added: “Nothing wrong with calling for a review.”
The Bulldogs rallied in the second and third quarters but ultimately couldn’t match Melbourne in the second half as the Demons recorded a 140 (21.14) 66 (10.6) to end their 57-year premiership drought.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
