The AFL concedes fans have lost trust in the score review system after admitting a third mistake in the space of two weeks.
Richmond’s Jack Higgins looked to have booted a much-needed goal during Friday night’s loss to Geelong at the MCG, but a score review was sought when the goal umpire asked for confirmation the ball had hit the post.
One camera angle showed a clear gap between the post and the ball but the score reviewer’s decision was to definitively award a behind instead of throwing it back to the umpire’s call.
The system came in for widespread criticism after the league admitted to two errors in round 11, Fremantle’s Michael Walters wrongly credited a goal in a four-point win over Collingwood at the MCG and a major to West Coast’s Oscar Allen incorrectly paid.
AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking on Saturday confirmed Higgins should have been awarded the goal during Friday night’s game.
“In the last fortnight, there have been significant errors made during score reviews that have undermined the confidence of our clubs and the football public in the system,” Hocking said.
“The AFL acknowledges that our players, our clubs and our fans are incredibly frustrated by each mistake, and we take full responsibility for them.”
Hocking confirmed the AFL was considering introducing a central review bunker.
“We are committed to ensuring we have the best process and technology available and over the last few months have been examining all possible alternative to improve the score review system,” he said.
“We will keep the football public fully informed as we explore avenues to improve the system, such as the potential for a centralised officiating facility covering all venues and matches.
“In the interim, we will continue to engage our score review officials, broadcast and technology partners in ensuring the current system operates as effectively as possible.”
A vocal critic of the system who had previously labelled the technology “deplorable”, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick had greater concerns following Friday night’s16.8 (104) to 5.7 (37) drubbing.
“I was on the bench and I couldn’t see anything,” Hardwick said.
“It is what it is.”
Pressed on whether he thought the mooted review bunker would help alleviate issues with the system, the coach was more forthright.
“I think we can spend our money better … just let the umpires make the decision,” he said.
“It’s been happening for 150 years … more.
“I don’t know, I don’t care.”
Former Richmond champion Matthew Richardson called the situation embarrassing on the Channel Seven broadcast.
Carlton’s Sam Docherty and Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe both tweeted “Not again” in response to the second-quarter incident.
The AFL blamed a technical issue for the error in the Dockers-Magpies game, but admitted the reviewer in the Eagles-Western Bulldogs game at Optus Stadium got it wrong.