'How do you miss that?' Did this last-gasp 'howler' cost Brisbane the game?

he gave up prior opportunity when tried to dodge the tackle rather then dispose of the ball

Dan Richardson has my respect for coming out & making this clear statement. Some might say it changes nothing & that's true. But at least the Lions & their fans receive a formal recognition from the AFL of this obvious error. The other upside for the AFL to action this is, if the same offence occurs again next week & a free kick is correctly awarded, fans won't be screaming about the inconsistency, fans have been informed last week they got it wrong.

I actually don't mind it, or wouldn't if that was the rule. There wasn't much prior opportunity, and I much prefer the ball-player having the benefit of the doubt. However, he took on the tackle and the rule (unless it changed again) is that doing so counts as prior.

Umpires boss has come out and said they got it wrong, not that that helps the Lions now

In Rugby League, if there is a try scored, a stoppage in play or a captain's challenge they can go back & review the previous play. None of those scenarios would have had the ability to change what happened last night.

Do you think they will even make an official comment on it? I'm not sure they are oblidged to?

Geez. One of several howlers throughout the game. Geelong gifted the 4 points.

Hawkins clearly threw the ball last night. It's cheating.

And this is why I'm a proponent of reducing numbers to 16. Too many at the fall of the ball. If the aerobic capacity of the collective team is reduced teams will have to strategise a responce to cope with the fact of reduced numbers at the ballfall ------ An obvious factor that'd reduce decongestion.

Apparently you don’t have to Handball anymore also no bumping I think it’s called netball

Umpires make mistakes as do players and coaches. Top level Australian Rules football is an incredibly difficult game to officiate. I hate to admit it but I think both Rugby codes are much better in providing their referees better support from linesmen and the second referee. They have the authority and regularly use it to assist the main referee when they observe an incorrect decision. What were the other umpires doing last night. Did they not see the clear infraction?

I'd rather honesty from them than Elite Fork Tongue Dancing.

Ha ha.

He’s also given Neale 2 weeks for striking Rowan’s fist with his chin so there’s no need to bother with the tribunal this week.

It did cost them the game but numerous moments keeping it close can affect a 1 point loss. It’s just this was right in front of goal, near the end and such a clear error. Hope at least the umpires boss admits the error instead of the usual spin.

One of many clangers by the terrible trio. Missed throws seemingly by the dozen. They really should crack down on that. Most disappointingly a missed opportunity to silence Hawkins with a double 50m penalty. Still, Brissie stole a game at the Gabba against North a couple of years ago when man mountain marshmallow McInerney took an all time dive, so the umpire karma train usually catches up.

Hi Micko, I imagine if a player with prior opportunity is tackled holding the ball whilst still in procession, the decision is holding the ball. If a player with prior opportunity is tackled & does not dispose of it legally, the decision is then incorrect disposal. Last night Mark Biclavs clearly did not complete the hand ball & thus a free kick should have been awarded. That’s my take on it for what is worth. Probably not worth anything to all the seething Lions fans across the country this morning.

Is this click bait Robs or is this your genuine stance on the matter?

Because it was so glaringly wrong esp as the Cats were gifted a very dubious Lion’s hold the ball only a couple of minute’s earlier. —— I don’t need a suit to chew my food.

At least umpires coach and mro official Chris Scott has cleared the decision so why is their controversy?