'Embarrassing' goal review system causes another controversy in dominant Geelong win
The AFL's score review system is in the spotlight again after Richmond appeared to be robbed of a goal in the second quarter of their clash with Geelong at the MCG.
Richmond's Jack Higgins looked to have booted a much-needed goal on Friday night to stop a run of five unanswered majors by the Cats, but a score review was called for when the goal umpire asked for confirmation the ball had hit the post.
One camera angle looked to show a clear gap between the post and the ball but the score reviewer's decision was to definitively award a behind.
With the Cats running out 16. 8. (104) to 5. 7. (37) winners, the decision did not ultimately prove costly, but the dodgy goal review system continues to be a problem area for the AFL.
Veteran Cats star Gary Ablett was outstanding once again with 24 disposals and two goals on the night AAP
Following the incorrect call, Richmond legend Matthew Richardson slammed the umpire's call.
"It's embarrassing to have a goal review system where we (get) another angle after it has been reviewed," Richardson said on the Seven's broadcast.
"It is a goal. We saw all of the angles that the goal review umpire saw."
The system came in for widespread criticism after the league admitted to two errors in round 11, Fremantle's Michael Walters wrongly credited a goal in a four-point win over Collingwood at the MCG and a major to West Coast's Oscar Allen incorrectly paid.
The AFL blamed a technical issue for the error in the Dockers-Magpies game, but admitted the reviewer in the Eagles-Western Bulldogs game at Optus Stadium got it wrong.
Hawkins was outstanding for the Cats and finished with four goals AAP
Despite the controversy surrounding the botched goal review, the Cats weathered an early Richmond barrage to send an ominous message to the remainder of the league.
Coming into the match two games clear on the top of the ladder, Geelong built its advantage on the back of a remarkable 11-goal run spanning the second and third quarters.
On the night where he tied Hawthorn legend Leigh Mathews with 332 career games, Gary Ablett was again roundly booed by the Tigers faithful, but responded with an excellent performance on his return to the Cats side.
Ablett finished with 24 disposals, seven tackles and two goals and was supported by Patrick Dangerfield (38 touches, nine tackles) and Tim Kelly (32 touches and nine marks).
Richmond's efforts were led by the ageless Bachar Houli (27 touches), while midfled duo Dion Prestia and Dustin Martin added 30 and 26 possessions, respectively.
- With AAP
