For those who are whinging about the umpiring put yourselves in the shoes of an umpire and try and do their job. You will find that it is as hard as buggery and here you guys are whinging about them doing their job.
I have done it. There was a very good point made above.
You only call what you see. I am not blaming anybody for our loss, except ourselves, least of all the umpires. There have been times they have definately cost us game (usually against Freo - bring on this week!), but not this time.
However, it is a valid point to say, "I did not see it", to a player. It usually goes down well.
All suppoerters ask for is consistency, not that we can see it ourselves.
I would be interested to know if the respective teams were told before the match that less opposrunity would be given for holding the ball, and if they were able to make selection changes for a reinterpetation.
One thing is for sure, can the AFL just leave the bloody rule alone for a few seasons and be consistent on interpretation over that time? Might make the job easier for the umps and better for the supporters.