The Ollie Dempsey no goal, how a “howler” was allowed to stand, and what Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott said about the ARC system
Geelong coach Chris Scott has questioned the AFL’s score review system, declaring the technology is there for a purpose and should be used, following a controversial mistake that robbed the Cats of a crucial first-quarter goal in Friday night’s thriller at the MCG.
The flashpoint was when Ollie Dempsey’s disposal was called late on by goal umpire (and former Richmond, Port Adelaide and Melbourne player) David Rodan for what would have been the first goal of the game.
The game was immediately restarted and the AFL review center (ARC) was prevented from intervening under the AFL’s recently amended points review protocols.
Last month, the AFL changed the rules regarding ARC reviews after play was called off for more than 30 seconds during a match between the Saints and Eagles following an incident in which Rowan Marshall was believed to have received a signal before the ball crossed the back line.
AFL football boss Greg Swann announced – citing the long delay in that match (almost a minute in total) – that the ARC would no longer override the goal umpire’s decision. Unless the goal referee requests a review..
It was important not to score a goal in the contest, which Carlton won by just four points (12.16 (88) – 12.12 (84)) against the Cats after overcoming a 20-point deficit in front of more than 60,000 fans.
Scott paused before launching an attack on the AFL, but made clear he believed the system had failed.
“The goalkeeper was knocked over. I probably disagree on principle that someone was sitting in the ARC and couldn’t see. [it]” said Scott.
“The technology is there for the howler, and someone at the ARC should have seen it as a howler within seconds.”
While Scott acknowledged the decision could not be overturned under existing rules, he questioned whether the process itself remained fit for purpose.
“From the beginning, I thought it was worth looking into,” he said.
The veteran coach said the incident was particularly frustrating because the problem appeared obvious in real time.
“This is surprising [it wasn’t picked up in real time]“But I am easily surprised by these things,” he said.
“I guess the surprising part is that we’ve seen some plays this year… I’m not a big fan of the theatrics around score review. [system]. Sometimes it seems like it takes too long when it’s obvious you don’t need a review.
“The referees probably shouldn’t believe the players, but regardless, we’re pretty strong on our players – don’t lie… if you claim you touched and you didn’t, don’t say it. If you even know Ollie Dempsey casually, when he says it’s a goal, it’s a goal.”
Scott was asked about the AFL’s role in the incident, given recent changes to the rule.
“There are some things I want my opinion heard about; those are at the bottom of the list. I’m not sure they need my help,” he said.
“The whole department needs to be held to high standards but honestly I won’t think about it another second.
“I hope you can understand that this is a green thing in my opinion. I fully accept that the AFL needs to put some time into their processes. “We’ll let them do that and move on.
“How long did the match last? Let’s say 110 minutes.
“Our focus in the review will be the last 109 minutes.”
Despite the disappointment, Scott resisted the temptation to attribute the defeat solely to the controversial decision and repeatedly turned the attention to Carlton’s performance.
“You will talk about this more,” he said.
“I don’t think I have much to add.
“I thought about them [the Blues] “It was really sharp.”
Scott noted Carlton’s dominance in stoppage action and the Blues’ dramatic improvement under interim coach Josh Fraser.
After conceding four of the game’s first five goals, Carlton took control of the contest and repeatedly punished Geelong in transition; Jagga Smith and Will Hayward were among the architects of the comeback, while captain Patrick Cripps installed the sealer.
Scott admitted the Blues’ stoppage work was difficult to contain.
“Work stoppages are their real power,” he said.
“The contested ball is a real force and if you tackle them in that area you want to be pretty good yourself.
“I didn’t think we played terribly; we just didn’t have the spark we had in the previous weeks and they were really good.”
This defeat left Geelong still firmly in the title conversation but ended a strong run of form heading into a difficult period of the season.
However, the effects of the ARC debate are likely to continue.
Scott’s point was simple: given that the AFL has invested in technology designed to eliminate obvious errors, it should have the power to fix them.
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Sam McClure is an award-winning AFL journalist and broadcaster.Connect with: X or email.
