AFL fans fume over umpiring inconsistencies as Melbourne edges Essendon in thriller
The AFL's umpiring fraternity is once again under fire after fans were left fuming at a number of head-scratching calls in Melbourne's win over Essendon.
A gallant Essendon side threw everything it had at the AFL's ladder-leaders, but lacked composure going forward as Melbourne prevailed 9. 14. (68) to 8. 9. (57) winners at the MCG.
Essendon had its chances in the final quarter, but was unable to overcome an experienced Melbourne side, with fans seeing red over a number of holding the ball non-calls in the Bombers' forward 50.
One such incident saw Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti catch James Harmes with a tackle with Harmes missing his leg as he dropped the ball while attempting to kick inside the final two minutes with the Demons clinging to an 11-point lead.
Fans were left fuming both in the stands at the MCG and on social media over the lack of umpiring consistency Getty
Inconsistencies over the holding-the-ball rule have been a common theme this season, and fans were once again left confused by the interpretation from the umpires.
The Brisbane Lions were notably robbed of a win earlier in the season when a clear holding-the-ball decision was not given in the dying seconds against Geelong in a Round 2 clash when Zac Bailey caught Cats defender Mark Blicavs deep in Brisbane's forward line.
The AFL later conceded that a free kick should have been awarded to Bailey for his tackle.
Despite the uproar over the officiating, Essendon coach Ben Rutten defended the umpires, but called for consistency.
"We know it's a tough game to umpire," he said.
Jake Lever was excellent down back for Melbourne with 18 disposals and eight marks Getty
"It's difficult for the umpires, I don't think it was a reason why we lost the game. We want to make sure there's consistency.
"The coaches and the players will adapt as long as there's consistency with the interpretations."
In slippery conditions, Melbourne's defensive cornerstones Jake Lever and Steven May were sensational, constantly thwarting attack after attack from the Bombers.
May and Lever combined for 15 marks between them, with many coming in the form of intercepts, while Christian Salem continued his excellent season at halfback with 26 disposals and 10 marks of his own.
The loss to Melbourne was a major blow to Essendon's finals hopes, with Ben Rutten's side currently 11th Getty
Clayton Oliver led the Demons with a team-high 34 disposals and seven clearances, while Christian Petracca (26 disposals and two goals) and James Harmes (27 disposals) were also dominant in the middle.
Essendon's effort was once again led by the midfield duo of Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish who combined for 68 disposals between them, while skipper Dyson Heppell also added 26 disposals of his own.
The result extended Melbourne's lead at the top of the ladder to eight points over the second-placed Western Bulldogs, who will be in action on Sunday.
Essendon's task gets no easier in Round 16, with a trip to Geelong to face the Cats on deck, while Melbourne will host the GWS Giants at the MCG.
