Umpiring Does the AFL/umpires have something against the Adelaide Crows?

[PerthBoy86]

Umpiring has been diabolical in recent times, and most sides get the wrong end the stick at times, but how many times do the Crows seemed to got screwed over in important decisions? Dawson, Rankine against the Pies, Keays goal, and last night...Rachele taps the Port player in the side, called a goal then arc says its over the post. Then we get the apology but same shit happens again and again. If I were a Crows supporter - if they had lost - I would honestly cancel my membership.

I do like the Crows, but a pattern is developing which is starting to seem like more than bad luck.

What will it take to keep umpires accountable in general? I honestly think some investigation is needed.

 

[basashi]

Not sure but I feel that the games they lost to Geelong and Bulldogs would not have been lost if the outcomes of the umpiring decisions were even between the teams. I dont mean the free kick count. I mean the decisions and their impact did not seem even to a neutral - and enough to flip those games by the small margin that determined them. They could be 2 wins higher on the ladder. But you never know - butterfly effect etc

 

[1990crow]

Umpiring has been diabolical in recent times, and most sides get the wrong end the stick at times, but how many times do the Crows seemed to got screwed over in important decisions? Dawson, Rankine against the Pies, Keays goal, and last night...Rachele taps the Port player in the side, called a goal then arc says its over the post. Then we get the apology but same shit happens again and again. If I were a Crows supporter - if they had lost - I would honestly cancel my membership.

I do like the Crows, but a pattern is developing which is starting to seem like more than bad luck.

What will it take to keep umpires accountable in general? I honestly think some investigation is needed.

You only have to watch the 2012 preliminary final to know the answer to that question.

Soligo goal overturn - wrong call made by ARC.
Rankine ran too far - no one else gets called for this and he bounced twice - wrong call.
Milera goal over turn - worst decision I've ever seen.
Butters crawls himself into the fence free kick - are we serious?

 

[Bungeye]

You only have to watch the 2012 preliminary final to know the answer to that question.

Soligo goal overturn - wrong call made by ARC.
Rankine ran too far - no one else gets called for this and he bounced twice - wrong call.
Milera goal over turn - worst decision I've ever seen.
Butters crawls himself into the fence free kick - are we serious?

After receiving a dubious free kick, Collingwood hero, Jack Anthony kicks the winning goal in the dying seconds.

You guys have been shafted for years...stop denying facts.

 

[1990crow]

After receiving a dubious free kick, Collingwood hero, Jack Anthony kicks the winning goal in the dying seconds.

You guys have been shafted for years...stop denying facts.

That Jack Anthony free was there. They just typically wouldn't pay it in a final which is probably a fair thing to say.

 

[PerthBoy86]

Not sure but I feel that the games they lost to Geelong and Bulldogs would not have been lost if the outcomes of the umpiring decisions were even between the teams. I dont mean the free kick count. I mean the decisions and their impact did not seem even to a neutral - and enough to flip those games by the small margin that determined them. They could be 2 wins higher on the ladder. But you never know - butterfly effect etc

Yeah arguably should've won those, but they weren't as egregious. It's not just how many free kicks but when, where and for what.

 

[PerthBoy86]

You only have to watch the 2012 preliminary final to know the answer to that question.

Soligo goal overturn - wrong call made by ARC.
Rankine ran too far - no one else gets called for this and he bounced twice - wrong call.
Milera goal over turn - worst decision I've ever seen.
Butters crawls himself into the fence free kick - are we serious?

Not sure I watched the 2012 prelim, what happened?

Yeah Rankine wasn't even NEAR to winning too far, which is what gets me. Umps have no idea of distance, time to introduce some sort of ball tracker and GPS/AI for these measurements decisions. 15 metres is also so inconsistent, sometimes a clear 8m isn't called, then a 25m is. Tbf it can be hard to judge on the field, with angles etc. I prefer to give more leniency to running too far/not 15 calls: only call them if they're obvious.

I noticed they're laying HTB more and holding the man less this season. Seen some where the player handballed it and was called htb after. I prefer to also give players more time with htb. Let's say 5 seconds to break out of the tackle. If they're wrapped up or the ball spills out its ball. Again umpires could use AI tech to help. I like seeing the wrestling/strength when players try to break free.

 

[1990crow]

Not sure I watched the 2012 prelim, what happened?

Yeah Rankine wasn't even NEAR to winning too far, which is what gets me. Umps have no idea of distance, time to introduce some sort of ball tracker and GPS/AI for these measurements decisions. 15 metres is also so inconsistent, sometimes a clear 8m isn't called, then a 25m is. Tbf it can be hard to judge on the field, with angles etc. I prefer to give more leniency to running too far/not 15 calls: only call them if they're obvious.

I noticed they're laying HTB more and holding the man less this season. Seen some where the player handballed it and was called htb after. I prefer to also give players more time with htb. Let's say 5 seconds to break out of the tackle. If they're wrapped up or the ball spills out its ball. Again umpires could use AI tech to help. I like seeing the wrestling/strength when players try to break free.

There was a number of free kicks that were simply wrong in Hawthorn's favour which had a massive impact on the game given they won by 5 points.

 

[western royboy]

Umpiring has been diabolical in recent times, and most sides get the wrong end the stick at times, but how many times do the Crows seemed to got screwed over in important decisions? Dawson, Rankine against the Pies, Keays goal, and last night...Rachele taps the Port player in the side, called a goal then arc says its over the post. Then we get the apology but same shit happens again and again. If I were a Crows supporter - if they had lost - I would honestly cancel my membership.

I do like the Crows, but a pattern is developing which is starting to seem like more than bad luck.

What will it take to keep umpires accountable in general? I honestly think some investigation is needed.

4 is too many, they are recruiting the wrong types and there is zero accountability or responsibility. Until those things change don’t expect anything else to.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

Adelaide's mistake is wearing State colours.
The AvFL and their Vicco adjudicators simply hate those colours.

 

[1990crow]

Adelaide's mistake is wearing State colours.
The AvFL and their Vicco adjudicators simply hate those colours.

Most of the umpires being Victorian is the problem. It's just a normal bias - like any time Victorians get called out on the bias they have over the game - it's illogical.

 

[SellarStardom]

What an absolute sh*t show of umpiring last night, bias or no bias.

Bond tackled immediately after taking the ball, called HTB even with no prior

The Soligo overturned goal - how can that be allowed

The Milera goal and supposed push, happens on every goal

Multiple throws, it was a joke.

They definitely did favour one team over the other it seemed

 

[Spirit Level]

Yeah the Crows were reamed last night, problem is there is no accountability for the umpires so it'll continue

 

[PerthBoy86]

There was a number of free kicks that were simply wrong in Hawthorn's favour which had a massive impact on the game given they won by 5 points.

Remember going to a match at the G, Crows vs Hawks in 2016, with my sisters and nieces. I'd put a bet on the Crows and they were ahead late...Hawks get a few dodgy free kicks late and I didn't get my $200 or whatever. Let's just say I didn't set a good example as an uncle with my language lol.

 

[PerthBoy86]

4 is too many, they are recruiting the wrong types and there is zero accountability or responsibility. Until those things change don’t expect anything else to.

Shouldn't the decision of the closest umpire just take precedence? We have the technology to judt replace umps with AI computers now. Like just a giant eye that views everything, and like an AI voice that comes over the PA announcing the decision lol. I have reservations about AI in general, but at least this will be for good.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

No.

/Thread

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Remember going to a match at the G, Crows vs Hawks in 2016, with my sisters and nieces. I'd put a bet on the Crows and they were ahead late...Hawks get a few dodgy free kicks late and I didn't get my $200 or whatever. Let's just say I didn't set a good example as an uncle with my language lol.

There's your problem, stop betting on football and you'll have a clearer view.

 

[TooFar]

Not sure I watched the 2012 prelim, what happened?

Yeah Rankine wasn't even NEAR to winning too far, which is what gets me. Umps have no idea of distance, time to introduce some sort of ball tracker and GPS/AI for these measurements decisions. 15 metres is also so inconsistent, sometimes a clear 8m isn't called, then a 25m is. Tbf it can be hard to judge on the field, with angles etc. I prefer to give more leniency to running too far/not 15 calls: only call them if they're obvious.

I noticed they're laying HTB more and holding the man less this season. Seen some where the player handballed it and was called htb after. I prefer to also give players more time with htb. Let's say 5 seconds to break out of the tackle. If they're wrapped up or the ball spills out its ball. Again umpires could use AI tech to help. I like seeing the wrestling/strength when players try to break free.

Mate, consider yourself lucky. It was an absolute heist at the MCG. We lost by 5 points, and even the AFL had to come out afterwards and admit the maggots cost us the game with at least three massive blunders.
Gieschen (the umpires' boss at the time) officially "ticked off" these three as INCORRECT:

• Q2: The Rutten "High Tackle" on Buddy – Franklin actually engaged high contact on Rutten first. The free kick should’ve gone to Truck, but they gave it to Buddy and he slot it.
• Q3: The Advantage Shocker – Matthew Wright got a high-tackle free, Truck handballed to Thompson who clearly put his hand up to stop play (standard "I don't want advantage" signal). The umpire ignored it, called play-on, we turned it over, and they goalled.
• Q3: Brodie Smith’s "Throw" – Smithy just slapped/knocked a bobbling ball to Wright. Giesch admitted it was play-on, but they called it a throw.

And that’s not even mentioning:

• The Tex "Goal" (Q1): Walker kicked one that looked like a clear goal, but it was called touched. The score review system was brand new and a total shambles—they didn't even bother looking at it.
• The Late Non-Calls: We actually hit the front with about 5 minutes left after a Johncock goal, but then a few "puzzling" non-calls helped Rioli and Buddy snatch it back at the death.

We had 10 more scoring shots and dominated large patches of the game. If even one of those admitted "clangers" from the whistle-blowers goes our way, we’re playing Sydney in the Granny. Still stings.

 

[TooFar]

Umpiring has been diabolical in recent times, and most sides get the wrong end the stick at times, but how many times do the Crows seemed to got screwed over in important decisions? Dawson, Rankine against the Pies, Keays goal, and last night...Rachele taps the Port player in the side, called a goal then arc says its over the post. Then we get the apology but same shit happens again and again. If I were a Crows supporter - if they had lost - I would honestly cancel my membership.

I do like the Crows, but a pattern is developing which is starting to seem like more than bad luck.

What will it take to keep umpires accountable in general? I honestly think some investigation is needed.

Yes, there is a pattern. What other team has had so many apologies for incorrect decisions? This is just in the last 3 and a bit seasons.

What I can't understand is why. I would have thought the umpires would be going out of their way not to award dubious frees to and against the Crows after all this, but the umps seem to have doubled down. Even Tex is fed up, basically telling the AFL to stop apologising and start finding a solution.

Date	Incident	AFL Reaction
June 2023	Jordan Dawson was clearly high-tackled in the final 15 seconds vs Collingwood. Would have been a shot to win after the siren.	AFL officially conceded the error on the Monday, claiming the umpires had a "restricted view."
Aug 2023	Ben Keays kicked the match-winning goal vs Sydney. Goal umpire called a hit-post without reviewing. Replays showed clear daylight.	Gillon McLachlan called it an "inexplicable mistake" and apologised, but the result stood and we missed finals.
April 2024	Sam Draper (Essendon) flopped on the ball in the goal square in the dying seconds. Clear holding the ball/prior.	AFL admitted a free kick should have been awarded to the Crows.
April 2025	Izak Rankine denied a clear mark/holding free in the final 2 mins of a 1-point loss to Gold Coast.	AFL spokesperson confirmed it was a mistake and a free kick should have been paid.
March 2026	Tom Atkins (Geelong) awarded a "last touch" free despite kicking it out himself late in a close game.	AFL admitted the error and blamed a "flaw in the process" for why the ARC didn't intervene.
April 2026	Umpires missed a blatant 6-6-6 infringement by Fremantle late in a 2-point Crows loss.	Andrew Dillon admitted the blunder and said a warning or free should have been issued.

 

[PerthBoy86]

There's your problem, stop betting on football and you'll have a clearer view.

I didnt a lot and haven't for years. My view is perfectly fine whether its favouring the team Im going for or not.

 

[PerthBoy86]

Mate, consider yourself lucky. It was an absolute heist at the MCG. We lost by 5 points, and even the AFL had to come out afterwards and admit the maggots cost us the game with at least three massive blunders.
Gieschen (the umpires' boss at the time) officially "ticked off" these three as INCORRECT:

• Q2: The Rutten "High Tackle" on Buddy – Franklin actually engaged high contact on Rutten first. The free kick should’ve gone to Truck, but they gave it to Buddy and he slot it.
• Q3: The Advantage Shocker – Matthew Wright got a high-tackle free, Truck handballed to Thompson who clearly put his hand up to stop play (standard "I don't want advantage" signal). The umpire ignored it, called play-on, we turned it over, and they goalled.
• Q3: Brodie Smith’s "Throw" – Smithy just slapped/knocked a bobbling ball to Wright. Giesch admitted it was play-on, but they called it a throw.

And that’s not even mentioning:

• The Tex "Goal" (Q1): Walker kicked one that looked like a clear goal, but it was called touched. The score review system was brand new and a total shambles—they didn't even bother looking at it.
• The Late Non-Calls: We actually hit the front with about 5 minutes left after a Johncock goal, but then a few "puzzling" non-calls helped Rioli and Buddy snatch it back at the death.

We had 10 more scoring shots and dominated large patches of the game. If even one of those admitted "clangers" from the whistle-blowers goes our way, we’re playing Sydney in the Granny. Still stings.

Darn, yeah would've loved to have seen a Crows Swans gf.

 

[PerthBoy86]

Yes, there is a pattern. What other team has had so many apologies for incorrect decisions? This is just in the last 3 and a bit seasons.

What I can't understand is why. I would have thought the umpires would be going out of their way not to award dubious frees to and against the Crows after all this, but the umps seem to have doubled down. Even Tex is fed up, basically telling the AFL to stop apologising and start finding a solution.

Date	Incident	AFL Reaction
June 2023	Jordan Dawson was clearly high-tackled in the final 15 seconds vs Collingwood. Would have been a shot to win after the siren.	AFL officially conceded the error on the Monday, claiming the umpires had a "restricted view."
Aug 2023	Ben Keays kicked the match-winning goal vs Sydney. Goal umpire called a hit-post without reviewing. Replays showed clear daylight.	Gillon McLachlan called it an "inexplicable mistake" and apologised, but the result stood and we missed finals.
April 2024	Sam Draper (Essendon) flopped on the ball in the goal square in the dying seconds. Clear holding the ball/prior.	AFL admitted a free kick should have been awarded to the Crows.
April 2025	Izak Rankine denied a clear mark/holding free in the final 2 mins of a 1-point loss to Gold Coast.	AFL spokesperson confirmed it was a mistake and a free kick should have been paid.
March 2026	Tom Atkins (Geelong) awarded a "last touch" free despite kicking it out himself late in a close game.	AFL admitted the error and blamed a "flaw in the process" for why the ARC didn't intervene.
April 2026	Umpires missed a blatant 6-6-6 infringement by Fremantle late in a 2-point Crows loss.	Andrew Dillon admitted the blunder and said a warning or free should have been issued.

Wow yeah, can't remember even one that went us where the afl apologised from memory.

 

[Crouch]

These days I expect us to be ****ed over so when it happens I just laugh.

 

[Underarm]

Remember going to a match at the G, Crows vs Hawks in 2016, with my sisters and nieces. I'd put a bet on the Crows and they were ahead late...Hawks get a few dodgy free kicks late and I didn't get my $200 or whatever. Let's just say I didn't set a good example as an uncle with my language lol.

##gambleresponsibly

 

[Underarm]

Yes, there is a pattern. What other team has had so many apologies for incorrect decisions? This is just in the last 3 and a bit seasons.

What I can't understand is why. I would have thought the umpires would be going out of their way not to award dubious frees to and against the Crows after all this, but the umps seem to have doubled down. Even Tex is fed up, basically telling the AFL to stop apologising and start finding a solution.

Date	Incident	AFL Reaction
June 2023	Jordan Dawson was clearly high-tackled in the final 15 seconds vs Collingwood. Would have been a shot to win after the siren.	AFL officially conceded the error on the Monday, claiming the umpires had a "restricted view."
Aug 2023	Ben Keays kicked the match-winning goal vs Sydney. Goal umpire called a hit-post without reviewing. Replays showed clear daylight.	Gillon McLachlan called it an "inexplicable mistake" and apologised, but the result stood and we missed finals.
April 2024	Sam Draper (Essendon) flopped on the ball in the goal square in the dying seconds. Clear holding the ball/prior.	AFL admitted a free kick should have been awarded to the Crows.
April 2025	Izak Rankine denied a clear mark/holding free in the final 2 mins of a 1-point loss to Gold Coast.	AFL spokesperson confirmed it was a mistake and a free kick should have been paid.
March 2026	Tom Atkins (Geelong) awarded a "last touch" free despite kicking it out himself late in a close game.	AFL admitted the error and blamed a "flaw in the process" for why the ARC didn't intervene.
April 2026	Umpires missed a blatant 6-6-6 infringement by Fremantle late in a 2-point Crows loss.	Andrew Dillon admitted the blunder and said a warning or free should have been issued.

Afl said the Draper one was fine.

And Rankine got off cheaply. Swings and roundabouts.