Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge believes the AFL score review process robbed his side of a goal during their loss to Collingwood.
It may not have changed the outcome but Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge reckons his side were robbed of a goal during their AFL loss to Collingwood.
The score review process came under fresh scrutiny during Friday night’s clash at the MCG, which the Magpies won 11.12 (78) to 9.10 (64).
Bulldogs forward Sam Lloyd’s shot on goal midway through the second term went to a score review and was ruled to have been touched by teammate Aaron Naughton, who was attempting to mark from behind the goal posts.
Replays showed the ball appeared to be fully behind the posts before Naughton touched it but the decision remained a behind.
A bemused Beveridge didn’t hold back when asked about the incident after the game.
“It was a goal,” he said.
“I think it was Aaron Naughton’s hands on it, wasn’t it? I don’t know why that was a point. I know the umpire called it touched but if it’s reviewed and it’s a goal, they haven’t got the previous frame, I’m not sure why that isn’t a goal.
“That’s not why we lost the game but that’s a head-scratcher.”
The Bulldogs were led brilliantly by Marcus Bontempelli (36 disposals, eight clearances) but couldn’t stay with the Pies when it mattered after leading by five points at the final break.
An inability to capitalise on their forward supply proved costly, particularly in the first half when they racked up 27 inside-50s for just 2.7.
With youngsters Aaron Naughton and Josh Schache anchoring the Bulldogs’ forward line, premiership ruck-forward Tom Boyd appears unlikely to return anytime soon.
Boyd returned through the VFL earlier on Friday but while he has overcome a long-term back injury, Beveridge said the 23-year-old remained well off the pace.
“He’s a long way off, Tom,” Beveridge said.
“He’s obviously not match-fit – he hasn’t played for a long time – but he’s looking better and he’s definitely well within himself. It’s just going to take him a while to get to the point where he’s got his wits about him and he’s playing his best footy.”
michael RVC
Roar Pro
That can be frustrating, but Bevo fell for one of the oldest journo tricks didn’t he?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I thought the Pies midfield finally lifted their intensity in the last qtr.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
The game was there to be won mid way through the last quarter, and we let Collingwood slip out the backdoor for easy goals which effectively iced the game. I think it was a good effort, but there were a few passengers, and in a tight first half, we gifted a few goals with turnovers at CHB (poor kicks, poor decision making, but also a win for the pies' structure). Also, quite clearly, Schache isn't the answer as a Fwd/2nd ruckman (thought English had one of his best games ever for the dogs, even if he was thrashed in the hit outs). I note Tom Boyd had his first run in the VFL. Probably needs another run, but we need a fit and healthy Boyd back in the team.
Cat
Roar Guru
Same. Correct call. Beveridge should be more worried why his own player was trying to mark the ball there instead of sheparding it through.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
It looked touched to me to Tom. The whole ball has to be over the line and for me it wasn’t.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
No excuses offered Beveridge was asked the question and answered how 99% of people not vision impaired saw it too....
michael RVC
Roar Pro
Here comes a torrent of excuses.
TomC
Roar Guru
It looked touched to me.
Grand-Dag
Roar Rookie
The core review system was not as bad as the umpiring in robbing The Bullies of goals. There a minimum of two and probably more instances where the umpires decision directly influenced the outcome of the game by awarding 'tiggy-touch-collingwood' frees or not giving frees or not noticing blatant transgressions in the Bulldogs forward fifty.