AFL Acknowledges Major Score Review Blunder That Cost Melbourne in Adelaide Loss

The AFL has reportedly admitted to a score review blunder that potentially dashed any chance of a Melbourne comeback during round 17.

Trailing by 15 points with just 11 minutes remaining, Adelaide forward Ben Keays managed to get his boot to the ball while being tackled at the goal line, with Melbourne defenders Judd McVee and Steven May lunging in pursuit.

Keays celebrated his effort, but May, convinced that his teammate had touched the ball, rushed to take the kick-out. He was promptly halted as the umpires called for a score review.

The goal umpire actually made the correct call, with the soft signal indicating a behind.

However, the AFL’s ARC decided there was a “gap at all times” between McVee’s hand and the ball, thus overturning the initial decision and giving the Crows a 21-point lead.

As reported by Fox Footy, the AFL subsequently reached out to both Melbourne and Adelaide to inform them that the ARC had incorrectly reversed the goal umpire’s decision.

Frustrated fans voiced their opinions on social media, with one remarking, “In a multi-billion dollar industry, we have ring cameras to determine if the ball hit the post.”

Another added, “billion dollar bush league,” and expressed sympathy for the unfortunate goal umpire.

Adelaide has had its share of score review controversies in recent years, with a goal umpire’s error costing them a match against Sydney in 2023, which ultimately led to their exclusion from finals.

Earlier in the season, the Crows benefited when the ARC was unable to overturn a shot from Brisbane’s Callum Ah Chee, which seemed to have gone over the goal post.

After their latest victory, Adelaide currently ranks third on the ladder, while Melbourne has experienced a disappointing five consecutive losses.