Damien Hardwick is used to not getting the rub of the green with AFL umpires, but the Richmond coach admits he was frustrated by the officiating during his side’s eight-point win over Essendon.
The Tigers were on the wrong end of a 27-15 free kick count in their 12.9 (81) to 11.7 (73) win in front of 76,424 fans at the MCG on Friday night.
It continued a theme for Hardwick’s men this year.
After 21 rounds, Richmond had conceded the most free kicks in the league and received the fewest.
“It was a frustrating night, there’s no doubt,” Hardwick said.
“Once again, it’s not the free kicks that we give away … the vast majority, 80 per cent, are there.
“But it’s the ones we don’t get that probably I find a little bit frustrating.”
The premiership coach feels particularly aggrieved for spearhead Jack Riewoldt, who gave away three free kicks and received none against the Bombers.
“I look at Jack tonight and I thought, ‘You know what – he doesn’t get much’,” he said.
“And I look at the other end and think, ‘Oh, I wish he was playing (there).’
“Anyway, it is what it is.
“Jack normally perseveres with that. He doesn’t blame, doesn’t complain – he just gets on with it and jumps at the ball.
“There’s not much we can do about it. We’ll just take it for what it is and hopefully we’ll get a better result next week.”
The lopsided free kick stats are one of the few areas Hardwick has reason to complain on the eve of the finals.
The Tigers, who he says didn’t play near their best, held off a late charge by Essendon – who bowed out of the finals race – to win their 20th match in a row at the MCG and claim top spot.
And they did it without premiership skipper Trent Cotchin and grand final stars Dion Prestia, Kane Lambert and David Astbury, who were all out injured.
All except for Lambert should return for the round 23 clash against the Western Bulldogs.
“We’ll get the majority of our best side up and going next week, get them back playing together and get a little bit of that clunkiness out that we’re probably seeing at the moment,” Hardwick said.
“We’re not playing our best footy, but we think it’s not too far away.”
RT
Roar Rookie
Most of them. Advantage is offered and the player chooses whether or not to take it. That is clear cut bad luck Adelaide. Betts' free was there but would have been soft. He probably could have got the goal if he didn't spend so much energy playing for the free. If Lever was the one in the middle behind by Jack then yes would have paid that. Incorrect disposal is not paid if the player did not have proper opportunity but made a reasonable attempt to dispose of it. Most people don't seem to understand this rule. See rule 15.2.3 (ii). The point is the video is selective and I could make something similar but in reverse. However if I am going to sit in front of the screen to watch that match I would rather bask in the glory of winning the premiership thanks. Adelaide were beaten by a far superior team. Its supporters should move on.
Fairsuckofthesav
Guest
So which one of those examples do you not agree with? Betts being held, Lever being held, incorrect disposal, incorrect call on advantage? I am assuming you have watched the video?
RT
Roar Rookie
All it confirms is someone can selectively put a video together and still be clearly wrong most of the time. Fair suck if the sav!
Realist
Guest
Also. PtS, it was you who said, "Dimma wouldn't be worried about losing to the Bombers". Fact is, we won and now you want to paint it it as some kind of issue. You"re so full of it!!!!! And, what more important players will other teams get back before the finals than Cotchin, Prestia, Astbury, Lambert & Butler?. Like I said, you're absolutely full of it!!!!!!
Realist
Guest
Nope....just getting started!!!!! It's called timing your run to perfection! Even the Tigers "not great form" is better than anyone else's best form!?
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Typical of deplorable umpiring this year. The game is too quick for umpires. It isn't aimed at any one team, it is happening in every game.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Taking your foot off the gas? You're just not in great form, Dimma admits it. You'll play Pies, Swans or Hawks in the QF Realist all of which will get more important players back. Could the Tigers have peaked early?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Umpires just making it up to the Pies after 100 years of being crucified Realist.
Realist
Guest
Richmond tried to "orchestrate" a loss like you suggested PtS, but just like against Collingwood and Geelong, cant seem to lose even when they would like to. Bombers are ranked much higher on the form ladder over the last 10 weeks with most pundits saying they're playing like a top 4 team! Tigers had a comfortable lead of 33 points early in the last quarter then took their foot off the gas allowing a team playing for their season to get some momentum. However, even with such biased umpiring, the result was never in doubt. Tigers can definitely play better but I think the exciting part is how good we were with most of our midfield missing and 5 of our best 22 to come back in before finals!
fairsuckofthesav
Guest
Pretty damning video that one and confirms the advantage MCG based teams have in the VFL sorry AFL GF. That roar of affirmation is pretty convincing. It's easier to umpire to affirm the crowd momentum. Suggest Dimmer be made to watch this every time he complains about the umpiring ...
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
The main point from the game has been missed with the free kick debate. The side ranked 11th got within 8 points. The Tigers aren't in great form at the time of the year when it most counts.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
If you can't see the difference you're not even trying, dude.
Sammy
Guest
Ahh so it is denial and selective memory from the same ones https://youtu.be/Bet9xIXVhdk
Cat
Roar Guru
It's hilarious watching all the Tiger fans in here show their hypocrisy.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I'll tell you what ridiculous is, ttf: someone claiming smaller clubs are subject to negative umpiring bias without backing such a statement up. What's even worse is someone using them as a reference source claiming their comments make things quite clear. Once again, there is no logical reason as to why free kicks should be the same, within a 'reasonable' differential band or any other ludicrous notion.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"Just within a reasonable differential band would be enough." Expand on 'reasonable'. Please explain to us all why you feel free kicks should be subject to some arbitrary, subjective assessment when no other stat within the game is.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Still not over it, Sammy? 8 goals! That's a lot of poor umpiring decisions. Should be a Royal Commission.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
I agree, Scribe. That was Dimma's issue. If you pay 'em at one end pay 'em at the other. Essendon received three very soft frees for shots on goal. He has no issue there. Reiwoldt doesn't get those soft ones.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
With all due respect, Jonboy, I suspect you didn't actually watch Dimma's presser last night. If you think he deserves a suspension well . . . geez, knock me down with a feather.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Mountains and molehills. Ridiculous argument really. Not black and white. Too many shades of gray and and too subjective depending on who has an axe to grind and who you support. The 'actual whinging' at the press conference is a tad overstated by you, too. Pretty sure he was smiling as he 'whinged' away to a loaded question. And he never, ever suggested free kicks for and against should even out so I assume you asked that question on a philosophical basis. I don't really care, there is no emphatic answer to that. Dalgetty makes that quite clear. As I said, mountains and molehills. So sorry I haven't engaged in the manner you'd like. Feel free to take the high ground and pat yourself on the back. Well done, Rick.