Debate is still raging over a controversial umpire decision that handed Carlton a crucial free kick during Thursday’s night one-point thriller at the MCG.
Trailing by 20 points with just over eight minutes remaining, Melbourne’s Jacob van Rooyen appeared to nail Blue Brodie Kemp with a perfect tackle in the Demons’ forward line.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Controversial dangerous tackle robs Melbourne of a goal.
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But instead of paying holding-the-ball, the umpire stunned everyone by awarding the free kick to Carlton because he believed the tackle to be ‘dangerous’.
It was noted by Channel 7 commentators that it was Kemp’s own action that created the danger, and van Rooyen had indeed tried to protect his opponent by rolling him.
“I reckon that’s a classic case of a player deliberately putting his head into the ground,” star caller Brian Taylor said.
“We’re seeing it a lot. Players are aware of how to get a free these days and that’s one way.”
Geelong great Joel Selwood said: “He didn’t keep driving with his legs and it looked like he just gave up on the play.”
And Dale Thomas added: “It was double motion too. He has the first opportunity, puts his head down there and goes again. Yes, there was some vigour in the tackle. It’s unfortunate because that was a definite goal.”
North Melbourne legend David King said it was time the AFL had a system where it fined “fakers”.
“It’s so hard on the umpires now … this is why I think we need to come up with fines system for the fakers,” King said on SEN.
The AFL can issue players with fines for staging, but that is rare.
King’s offsider Kane Cornes agreed with the Seven commentators and said it looked like Kemp had “lunged forward”.
“It was a big moment, it was late in game, a one-point result – it had all the hallmarks of being a significant call for the umpire,” Cornes said.
“I feel for the umpires at the moment, I reckon they’ve got not a chance of getting this stuff right.
“(And yes) I’d be happy to fine the fakes.”
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Cornes said the AFL should give the umpires a platform to speak after games to help explain their decisions.
He believed fans would appreciate seeing the “human” side of the umpire and they would also feel “empathy” for them after a tough decision.
With a sharp focus on head injuries, retired West Coast defender Will Schofield said umpires needed to be stronger in these situations, and the free kick sent players the wrong message.
“That dangerous tackle call is absolutely disgraceful!!!” Schofield blasted on X (formerly Twitter).
“How are we encouraging blokes to throw their heads to the ground?”
AFL journalist Nic Negrepontis said: “That dangerous tackle call for Kemp might be the worst umpire decision of the year.”