Umpire’s Inaction Ignites Debate as Suns Clinch Dramatic Win Over Crows

The Suns remain unbeaten in the 2025 season, securing a thrilling one-point victory over the Crows on Saturday afternoon at the Gold Coast, igniting a heated debate about whether the visiting side was unfairly treated.

Throughout the match, both teams closely monitored one another, with the Crows making a late surge to challenge the Suns’ slight advantage.

With under two minutes to go and the Crows trailing by just a point, Izak Rankine of Adelaide appeared to have controlled the ball within his team’s forward 50, yet was denied a mark.

Rankine positioned himself under the ball without a defender nearby, only to be struck from behind by Suns’ defender Sam Collins in the moments just before he could claim the mark.

He quickly rose and appealed to the umpire, but despite making a solid attempt at the Sherrin, the decision went against him; he was neither awarded the mark nor a free kick for being pushed in the back.

Wil Powell then secured the loose ball, and the Suns were subsequently awarded two free kicks in their defensive zone, allowing them to run down the clock and secure their fourth consecutive victory of the season, finishing 13.13 (91) to 14.6 (90).

“The Crows might feel a little unlucky… but the Suns passed the test,” remarked Kangaroos legend David King on Fox Footy after the match.

“That was definitely a mark or at least a free kick. You cannot tackle a player while they’re marking; pushing into someone’s back isn’t allowed. The umpire hesitated. Let’s be honest, he didn’t want to make that call. No doubt at all — it’s a mark or a free kick.”

Adelaide’s key forward, Riley Thilthorpe, shone brightly, matching his career-best with five goals, while veteran Crows player Tex Walker contributed four, including the milestone 650th of his career.

Although both scored twice in the final quarter as the Crows attempted to close the gap on the Suns, it wasn’t sufficient to claim victory.

On an afternoon dominated by tall forwards, Gold Coast’s Jed Walter also played a pivotal role in front of goal, netting three goals.

As the intensity ramped up, a physical exchange between Mac Andrew and Thilthorpe unfolded at the final whistle, involving players from both teams.

In the closing seconds, Andrew made a crucial defensive spoil against Thilthorpe before letting the new Coleman Medal leader know exactly how he felt.