by DOC » Tue Jul 07, 2020 7:54 pm
MAL.
This from yesterdays paper.
A CONTROVERSIAL umpiring decision in the final minute cost South Adelaide a miraculous draw against premier Glenelg at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
After producing a scintillating and brave comeback from 45 points behind at three-quarter-time to draw within six points, Panthers small forward Eamon Wilkinson was awarded a free kick for a push in the back by Tiger Michael Virgin in a marking contest on the edge of the goalsquare.
But unaware the free kick had been paid, Wilkinson then toe-poked the ball across the goal-line for a behind.
Rather than hand the ball back to Wilkinson, who would almost certainly have kicked the goal to tie the scores and complete South’s remarkable comeback, the field umpire called advantage play on, the behind stood and the stunned Tigers held on to win by five points, 15.7 (97) to 14.8 (92).
It was Glenelg’s second consecutive win by less than a goal to start the season after it beat Norwood by three points in Round 1.
Panthers coach Jarrad Wright blasted the decision to rob Wilkinson of a possible game-tying shot at goal, saying “he should have been given the free kick and a set shot’’.
“There was no advantage in that decision at all,’’ Wright said. “There was crowd noise, it was in the heat of the play and the ball goes through for a behind, there was no advantage play on whatsoever.
“It was a scrimmage, it wasn’t like someone grabbed the ball, played on and took two bounces before having a shot at goal. It should have been called back and been a set shot at goal, so it was disappointing for the game to end that way.’’
Wright said Wilkinson had told him he didn’t know he had been awarded the free when he soccered the ball through. The controversial end came after Glenelg – inspired by last year’s Magarey Medallist Luke Partington dominating with 34 disposals and three goals – powered to a 45-point lead at the final change.
With Jack Oatey Medallist Matthew Snook (29 disposals) and fellow midfielder Marlon Motlop (25 and two goals) also starring, the Tigers looked to be making a statement they were the team to beat again this year. But the gritty Panthers came storming back. They kicked seven goals to one in the final stanza to draw to within six points 26 minutes into the term before the gamedeciding Wilkinson decision.
Glenelg captain Max Proud, playing his 100th game, said his team was relieved to get the points but the late collapse had left the players feeling “very empty’’.
“We played really well for three quarters and probably should have put the foot on the throat but we went away from doing the things we are good at and nearly paid a big price,’’ he said. “It certainly gives us plenty to work on.’’