Home / Sports / AFL's 'Unluckiest Goal of Year' Controversy
AFL's 'Unluckiest Goal of Year' Controversy
11 Sep
Summary
- Ollie Dempsey's spectacular bicycle goal was disallowed.
- The decision was based on a debated touch off an opponent's bicep.
- Commentators and analysts questioned the umpire's soft call.
In a dramatic moment during the semi-final clash between Geelong and Fremantle, star player Ollie Dempsey's spectacular bicycle goal was disallowed. The stunning goal, scored early in the third term, saw the ball go through the posts after being played in flight over Dempsey's body.
The soft call of a touch off an opponent's bicep initiated a score review. Replays were inconclusive, with commentators like Garry Lyon and Jordan Lewis debating whether the ball had last been touched by Dempsey's boot. Ultimately, the AFL's ARC found insufficient evidence to overturn the decision.
This ruling, described by some as potentially the unluckiest Goal of the Year, left coach Chris Scott visibly frustrated, even reacting by hitting a wall. A later, higher-quality replay from a different angle prompted further discussion on whether more time should have been taken to review the contentious play.
