Melbourne coach Paul Roos was left perplexed and mad after midfielder Bernie Vince was denied what appeared to be a clear goal during a pivotal moment of Monday’s low-scoring slog against Collingwood at the MCG.
Vince – one of Melbourne’s better players throughout the annual Queen’s Birthday encounter – had booted the Demons only goal of the third term to get the margin back to single figures.
Minutes later, Neville Jetta marked 60 metres out and handballed to the flying Vince, whose shot sailed through half-post high.
But the Demons’ fans celebrations at what they thought was the goal that had brought them within four points were cut short, with the controlling umpire ruling that Jetta had played on incorrectly after he had called time off.
Melbourne’s second attempt at the same set play went awry when Lynden Dunn accepted a handball from Jetta and sent his long shot wide to the right for a point.
To make matters worse, Magpies midfielder Dayne Beams kicked a goal at the other end shortly afterwards to extend the margin to 16 points after substitute Jay Kennedy-Harris failed to mark a poor kick from Jeremy Howe,
“They only kicked eight goals and we kicked three so it was a massive swing, a two-goal swing is huge,” said Roos.
“I don’t understand the rule to be honest.
“If the guy is 60 metres out and he’s not having a shot at goal then I think it’s just play on.
“I have no idea why the call is made.
“I understand if you’re 20 metres out and you’re straightening up and (the umpire) has to put him on an angle but Jetts was never going to have a shot at goal – he was never in range.
“Anywhere around the ground it’s just play on.
“It drives me mad, but what can you do?”
To make matters worse, the Demons were unable to register another goal for the remainder of the match, with Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke and Beams kicking the only three majors of the final term to blow the final margin out to 33 points.
clayts
Guest
That one was ridiculous too. Not why the dees lost, but gee those two would have helped the demons' cause I'd have thought. If the Vince goal stands, the dees get an uplifting goal, go only 4 points down, and have all the momentum.
footyfact
Guest
Firstly, the mark was taken about 50 metres out, not 60, and Jetta stopped after marking the ball, making the umpire think that he was having a shot. Because of that, the umpire called time on, to line Jetta up correctly, as he had wandered off his line. This is clearly heard on the tv, then before the umpire had ruled for the play to restart, Jetta handballed to a teammate. The umpire had to call the ball back, as play wasn't officially on.
handles
Guest
There was also an incident where a Collingwood player ran into the protected zone and put his arms out as if to smother - and no 50 given. That was another goal missing. If you play "no goal" football, then decisions that effect goals become ultra critical. A bot of scoreboard pressure on the Pies might have made the 4th quarter a lot more interesting!
Axle an the guru
Guest
I dont blame him,it was a stupid decision by the umpire at a critical point in the game and IMO changed the game. That ump should be umpireing in the Goulburn Valley next wknd.