the evidence is clear: - umpires do decide a game!

[Trev from the Bush]

AFL clubs are pretty spoilt. While they still play in the wet seeing mud on the ground is an extreme rarity in modern times. One constant in mud or rain has always been that the player that gets to the ball or gains possession first has a substantial advantage over their opponents. In wet, wintry conditions players tend to slip and slide, push opponents in the back and tackle players that lost or never cleanly took possession of the ball. Luke Beveridge and his team were smart enough to know that and played the game accordingly. I didn't see any staging, just plenty of late, misjudged and high tackles that were deserving of free kicks.

And, like the pro-Swans commentary 7 served up yesterday, plenty of unprofessional barracking for the Bummers today.

One day Essendon's players, officials and supporters might acknowledge this and adapt to the conditions. In the meantime we can enjoy another 365 days of their bleating and broken dreams.

[sendmehomehappy]

Mmmmhhhhhhwwwwwwwaaaaa!!!

Couldn't give a $hit about the doggies, but just loved the result.

The druggies couldn't kick a goal in the second half of a final. Got Geelong off the hook now since 1956!!!

[CURLY]

The WB first five goals were umpire errors although the first of Weightmans was the closest to a correct call. WB are well and truly looked after and no doubt the AFL supper this.

[bangaulegend]

The WB first five goals were umpire errors although the first of Weightmans was the closest to a correct call. WB are well and truly looked after and no doubt the AFL supper this.

I agree the free kicks were soft at best but I don't think it would have changed the result dogs were a lot harder for a lot longer in the conditions IMO

[B.M]

Dogs are continually favoured

Stats prove this

[6621104]

Can we put this to bed now- the dogs/bombers game, one I care little about shows clearly how poor umpiring can decide a game. Are we surprised that 5 of the first 7 goals to the dogs came from free kicks? The raised arm high frees have been a blight on the game - yet the umps still fall for it and the Beveridge dogs are the worst offenders.

That’s a rule issue, not an umpiring one.

Again Dud_ the rule clearly states that if a player contributes to the high tackle it is play on! it is NOT a rule issue- it is poor umpiring. see below from the changes introduced in 2017 -"the Selwwod rule change"

Under the new tightened interpretation, if a tackle is reasonable and the ball carrier is responsible for the high contact via a "shrug, drop, arm lift or duck, play on should be called".

[bangaulegend]

Can we put this to bed now- the dogs/bombers game, one I care little about shows clearly how poor umpiring can decide a game. Are we surprised that 5 of the first 7 goals to the dogs came from free kicks? The raised arm high frees have been a blight on the game - yet the umps still fall for it and the Beveridge dogs are the worst offenders.

That’s a rule issue, not an umpiring one.

Again Dud_ the rule clearly states that if a player contributes to the high tackle it is play on! it is NOT a rule issue- it is poor umpiring. see below from the changes introduced in 2017 -"the Selwwod rule change"

Under the new tightened interpretation, if a tackle is reasonable and the ball carrier is responsible for the high contact via a "shrug, drop, arm lift or duck, play on should be called".

So why does Selwood still get so many frees for high tackles ?

[SuperDuper]

collectively the bulldogs are the biggest stages for frees in the conp. i have. no doubt they train for drawing high contact frees. beverage is a win at all costs type of guy.

[Saint 58]

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.
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So why does Selwood still get so many frees for high tackles ?

+ 1 !

[Sainter_Dad]

.
.
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So why does Selwood still get so many frees for high tackles ?

+ 1 !

Just because the rule has been changed does not mean that Duckwood is not still accidently tackled high.

Another call for the rule to be Dangerous tackle - including recklessly high (not a touch over the shoulder) and tripping. If the play is not impacted - ie a normal tackle would have achieved the same result and the shoulder happens to be touched - play it as if it was a normal tackle.

Dangerous play is pretty obvious - see the Hunter Clarke impact for an example

[saynta]

Can we put this to bed now- the dogs/bombers game, one I care little about shows clearly how poor umpiring can decide a game. Are we surprised that 5 of the first 7 goals to the dogs came from free kicks? The raised arm high frees have been a blight on the game - yet the umps still fall for it and the Beveridge dogs are the worst offenders.

That’s a rule issue, not an umpiring one.

Again Dud_ the rule clearly states that if a player contributes to the high tackle it is play on! it is NOT a rule issue- it is poor umpiring. see below from the changes introduced in 2017 -"the Selwwod rule change"

Under the new tightened interpretation, if a tackle is reasonable and the ball carrier is responsible for the high contact via a "shrug, drop, arm lift or duck, play on should be called".

So why does Selwood still get so many frees for high tackles ?

So, maybe maggots don't know the rules. Maybe .

[saynta]

From heraldsun.com.au.

The tackle. dislikes.

"Cody Weightman has an acrobatic way of maximising all contact that means AFL umpires cannot help but pay him free kicks.

Of the four free kicks he was awarded on a sodden Tasmanian day which he converted into goals, one was probably there.

But two should have been called play on and the Zach Merrett free kick on the boundary line when he bumped him as he got rid of the ball — was an out-and-out howler.

Weightman trapped Jayden Laverde’s arm as he fell to ground to milk his first goal, he simply slipped under Sam Draper’s arm and was awarded a free kick for borderline contact for his second.

Marty Gleeson held him as he attempted to mark for his third goal (fair call) and then the Merrett free kick was plucked from mid-air.

But when you can’t kick a goal after half time, the rub of the umpiring green is irrelevant."

[Life Long Saint]

But when you can’t kick a goal after half time, the rub of the umpiring green is irrelevant."

That is the takeaway from all of that whinging!

It has been clear for years now that the Bulldogs get a charmed run from the umps.
Won them a flag in 2016...I was actually hoping Sydney would win in the end of the game.
It almost won them an elimination final against us last season. The free kicks awarded to them in that last quarter were deplorable.
It's now become just one of those things in football...The Bulldogs will be awarded iffy frees that the opposition won't get. Just like the Eagles in Perth.
It blows the "noise of affirmation" theory out the window, though.

[saynta]

But when you can’t kick a goal after half time, the rub of the umpiring green is irrelevant."

That is the takeaway from all of that whinging!

It has been clear for years now that the Bulldogs get a charmed run from the umps.
Won them a flag in 2016...I was actually hoping Sydney would win in the end of the game.
It almost won them an elimination final against us last season. The free kicks awarded to them in that last quarter were deplorable.
It's now become just one of those things in football...The Bulldogs will be awarded iffy frees that the opposition won't get. Just like the Eagles in Perth.
It blows the "noise of affirmation" theory out the window, though.

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

[Sainter_Dad]

If I was a betting man (or if your tipping goes to finals) - I would be betting on Brisbane winning as the Armchair Ride for the Doggies will not be there this weekend as the Umpires 'over compensate' for the bad press.

If you are good enough you will beat the opposition and the 'Other Team' on the day - but as Saynta said - smack a dog on the nose enough and they will stop even trying for attention - kind of represents - if you are never rewarded for tackles - or worse if 'milked' frees end up costing goals - you start to second guess - Football is a 100% effort 100% of the time game - give anything less and you lose.

[Life Long Saint]

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

It can, but if you don't kick a goal for an entire half, then you have bigger issues than a few dodgy frees.

[Sainter_Dad]

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

It can, but if you don't kick a goal for an entire half, then you have bigger issues than a few dodgy frees.

SO - umpiring gets a pass because Essendon were not good enough?

If you were being overcharged by the bank for a fee - but have now paid off the loan would you let it lie?
If your child drove themselves home clearly drunk out of their minds - but made it home safely - would you just accept the behaviour?

It is time for UMPIRES to publish the review of their games - if they get it wrong and admit that they got it wrong we might take some comfort in the fact that they may learn from it.

In the past - it has been "Nothing to see here - we got them all right - move on" and so the supporters expect the same next week.

Time for "Review that Decision" to come back - lol - at least we got to see the view of the Umpire and understand their interpretation.

Why - in a game where Multi Millions are spent - do we not have a Professional - Accountable Umpiring Fraternity?

[CURLY]

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

It can, but if you don't kick a goal for an entire half, then you have bigger issues than a few dodgy frees.

SO - umpiring gets a pass because Essendon were not good enough?

If you were being overcharged by the bank for a fee - but have now paid off the loan would you let it lie?
If your child drove themselves home clearly drunk out of their minds - but made it home safely - would you just accept the behaviour?

It is time for UMPIRES to publish the review of their games - if they get it wrong and admit that they got it wrong we might take some comfort in the fact that they may learn from it.

In the past - it has been "Nothing to see here - we got them all right - move on" and so the supporters expect the same next week.

Time for "Review that Decision" to come back - lol - at least we got to see the view of the Umpire and understand their interpretation.

Why - in a game where Multi Millions are spent - do we not have a Professional - Accountable Umpiring Fraternity?

Have you ever been to a umpires meeting or when they review games and there performance? It's an eye opener listening to them.

I stood with an umpires boss watching a game of Under 19's football were a senior umpire was umpiring with a up and comer. Early in the game a player was whacked in the head in the junior umpires area he was controlling. The senior umpire could see it put his whistle up but didn't blow it or award a free. The Umpire adviser commented that was well done by the senior umpire to not over rule the junior umpire. I commented that they both missed a clear free and the senior umpire should have payed it. The advisor replied that would damage the young umpires confidence and that's not a good result. How about the kids head how about his game? No no we don't want to lose umpires was the responce.

[B.M]

Don’t worry about the final result

It’s when the game was hot is what counts

In Finals to get to 4 goals in the last, they can easily blow out to 8 because teams either go all out attack and don’t defend or they subconsciously give up a bit, knowing they’ve lost!!!

The third free to Weightman was crucial

It Gave the doggies a buffer and it was always catch up from there… he doesn’t kick that goals, it’s only 9 points and the Dons are still right in it, even if the dogs kick another.

[saynta]

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

It can, but if you don't kick a goal for an entire half, then you have bigger issues than a few dodgy frees.

SO - umpiring gets a pass because Essendon were not good enough?

If you were being overcharged by the bank for a fee - but have now paid off the loan would you let it lie?
If your child drove themselves home clearly drunk out of their minds - but made it home safely - would you just accept the behaviour?

It is time for UMPIRES to publish the review of their games - if they get it wrong and admit that they got it wrong we might take some comfort in the fact that they may learn from it.

In the past - it has been "Nothing to see here - we got them all right - move on" and so the supporters expect the same next week.

Time for "Review that Decision" to come back - lol - at least we got to see the view of the Umpire and understand their interpretation.

Why - in a game where Multi Millions are spent - do we not have a Professional - Accountable Umpiring Fraternity?

Have you ever been to a umpires meeting or when they review games and there performance? It's an eye opener listening to them.

I stood with an umpires boss watching a game of Under 19's football were a senior umpire was umpiring with a up and comer. Early in the game a player was whacked in the head in the junior umpires area he was controlling. The senior umpire could see it put his whistle up but didn't blow it or award a free. The Umpire adviser commented that was well done by the senior umpire to not over rule the junior umpire. I commented that they both missed a clear free and the senior umpire should have payed it. The advisor replied that would damage the young umpires confidence and that's not a good result. How about the kids head how about his game? No no we don't want to lose umpires was the responce.

Interesting. And very informative.

[Sainter_Dad]

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

It can, but if you don't kick a goal for an entire half, then you have bigger issues than a few dodgy frees.

SO - umpiring gets a pass because Essendon were not good enough?

If you were being overcharged by the bank for a fee - but have now paid off the loan would you let it lie?
If your child drove themselves home clearly drunk out of their minds - but made it home safely - would you just accept the behaviour?

It is time for UMPIRES to publish the review of their games - if they get it wrong and admit that they got it wrong we might take some comfort in the fact that they may learn from it.

In the past - it has been "Nothing to see here - we got them all right - move on" and so the supporters expect the same next week.

Time for "Review that Decision" to come back - lol - at least we got to see the view of the Umpire and understand their interpretation.

Why - in a game where Multi Millions are spent - do we not have a Professional - Accountable Umpiring Fraternity?

Have you ever been to a umpires meeting or when they review games and there performance? It's an eye opener listening to them.

I stood with an umpires boss watching a game of Under 19's football were a senior umpire was umpiring with a up and comer. Early in the game a player was whacked in the head in the junior umpires area he was controlling. The senior umpire could see it put his whistle up but didn't blow it or award a free. The Umpire adviser commented that was well done by the senior umpire to not over rule the junior umpire. I commented that they both missed a clear free and the senior umpire should have payed it. The advisor replied that would damage the young umpires confidence and that's not a good result. How about the kids head how about his game? No no we don't want to lose umpires was the responce.

LOL - Curly - I am critical sometimes - but I used to Umpire - from Goal to Boundary to Central - even on loan to other leagues.

[CURLY]

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

It can, but if you don't kick a goal for an entire half, then you have bigger issues than a few dodgy frees.

SO - umpiring gets a pass because Essendon were not good enough?

If you were being overcharged by the bank for a fee - but have now paid off the loan would you let it lie?
If your child drove themselves home clearly drunk out of their minds - but made it home safely - would you just accept the behaviour?

It is time for UMPIRES to publish the review of their games - if they get it wrong and admit that they got it wrong we might take some comfort in the fact that they may learn from it.

In the past - it has been "Nothing to see here - we got them all right - move on" and so the supporters expect the same next week.

Time for "Review that Decision" to come back - lol - at least we got to see the view of the Umpire and understand their interpretation.

Why - in a game where Multi Millions are spent - do we not have a Professional - Accountable Umpiring Fraternity?

Have you ever been to a umpires meeting or when they review games and there performance? It's an eye opener listening to them.

I stood with an umpires boss watching a game of Under 19's football were a senior umpire was umpiring with a up and comer. Early in the game a player was whacked in the head in the junior umpires area he was controlling. The senior umpire could see it put his whistle up but didn't blow it or award a free. The Umpire adviser commented that was well done by the senior umpire to not over rule the junior umpire. I commented that they both missed a clear free and the senior umpire should have payed it. The advisor replied that would damage the young umpires confidence and that's not a good result. How about the kids head how about his game? No no we don't want to lose umpires was the responce.

LOL - Curly - I am critical sometimes - but I used to Umpire - from Goal to Boundary to Central - even on loan to other leagues.

There meetings a hilarious though don't you think. You get the umpire each week telling everyone what they did so some player and how angry he got. The umpire trying to justify the rule he refuses to pay.

[Sainter_Dad]

Have you ever been to a umpires meeting or when they review games and there performance? It's an eye opener listening to them.

I stood with an umpires boss watching a game of Under 19's football were a senior umpire was umpiring with a up and comer. Early in the game a player was whacked in the head in the junior umpires area he was controlling. The senior umpire could see it put his whistle up but didn't blow it or award a free. The Umpire adviser commented that was well done by the senior umpire to not over rule the junior umpire. I commented that they both missed a clear free and the senior umpire should have payed it. The adviser replied that would damage the young umpires confidence and that's not a good result. How about the kids head how about his game? No no we don't want to lose umpires was the response.

LOL - Curly - I am critical sometimes - but I used to Umpire - from Goal to Boundary to Central - even on loan to other leagues.

Their meetings a hilarious though don't you think. You get the umpire each week telling everyone what they did so some player and how angry he got. The umpire trying to justify the rule he refuses to pay.

Retaining young Umpires has always been a focus - however if we made an error we were privately told about it - especially if it was one that we consistently made

I cannot comment on the one you went to - but my Umpire's Adviser was pretty serious and understood the true role of an umpire was to facilitate the game - however he did stress that if you made a mistake - move on - don't try and square up - don't respond to the players - do your best and acknowledge internally that you are human interpreting the rules. And we were never proud of mistakes or justified our decisions internally.

The worst I ever did was to send a kid off for 10 minutes 'cool down' in a league I was filling in for that had a rule that if you got sent of 1 minute into the half you spent the whole half off - I called him back on - and enforced it.

[Freebird]

Can we put this to bed now- the dogs/bombers game, one I care little about shows clearly how poor umpiring can decide a game. Are we surprised that 5 of the first 7 goals to the dogs came from free kicks? The raised arm high frees have been a blight on the game - yet the umps still fall for it and the Beveridge dogs are the worst offenders.

That’s a rule issue, not an umpiring one.

Of course it is DUD just duck your head run into someone and the rule says high even though the tackler had not moved or caused the high tackle...
Umpires and common sense should not be mentioned in the same sentence

[Life Long Saint]

I agree but seeing those iffy frees can knock the wind out of a side. Heads go down and pressure lessens. Seen it with the saints. Many times actually.

It can, but if you don't kick a goal for an entire half, then you have bigger issues than a few dodgy frees.

SO - umpiring gets a pass because Essendon were not good enough?

Didn't say that. I said Essendon have bigger issues than that umpiring. In fact, in my previous posts, I said the Bulldogs seem to be looked after quite a bit.

The umpiring has been steadily declining for years. Mistakes are rarely aknowledged and if you look at every contest in slow motion, you'll almost always find a free kick.
Umpires are clearly being instructed to pay free kicks where they can (except against the Dogs or Eagles at home).
They're clearly influencing the outcomes of games. There are ridiculous downfield frees now where the contact is negligible. There are too many off the ball free kicks that aren't worthy of the penalty. It's easy to say that the player is being silly and that's true, but the rules and the umpires should determine whether the contact is either reportable or had an impact on the play.
We got a 50m penalty against Sydney earlier in the year to Battle after King was scruffed in the goalsquare...That wasn't worthy of a 50 and we'd be up in arms if it was paid against us.
Also, can someone explain to me why abusing an umpire is a 50m advantage to the opposition? Why isn't just a report on the day and a fine? Just ridiculous. Imagine an umpire paying a dodgy free 60m out late in a grand final. Everyone knows it was a bad call and the player calls the umpire a bad name. Is that what we want deciding the match?
They're too precious and not accountable.
If they made a mistake on a call, let's say so and move on. Players make lots of unforced mistakes and we seem to be OK with that.