Times the AFL admitted the Umpires, got it Wrong

Officiating in any sport is an unenviable task. Australian rules football is no exception. Umpires in our game are often underappreciated, tasked with enforcing an ever evolving rulebook fraught with ambiguities, misunderstandings and inconsistencies. Not only must they interpret and apply these rules in real-time, but they must also withstand relentless scrutiny from passionate footy fans who are convinced of their bias against their respective clubs.

Personally, I have immense respect for umpires. It is a demanding role that few are willing to take on, and without the selfless nature of those who don the yellow jerseys. There wouldn’t be any integrity to the great game, we as footy fans love so much. With that being said, I’m Adam Palombi, and these are the five worst AFL umpiring decisions in recent history—presented in no particular order.

Adelaide vs Sydney (Round 23, 2023)

It was do or die for the Crows as they hosted the Swans in the City of Churches. A win would keep their finals hopes alive (at least mathematically) into yet another thrilling footy season. In a year where 57 games had been decided by less than 10 points, Adelaide Oval became the stage for yet another heart stopping finish.

With just over a minute remaining, Ben Keays found himself deep in the right pocket of the western stand, with an opportunity to set his home fans into raptures.  As his kick sailed towards goal, the crowd erupted. It looked for all the world like Adelaide had hit the front by five points. But jubilation quickly turned to disbelief. The goal umpire signaled a behind, ruling that the ball had grazed the post on its way through.

Sydney immediately went into damage control, draining the clock to secure victory and lock in their spot in the top eight. Meanwhile, Crows fans were left seething. Even opposition supporters on social media agreed that Keays' effort was clearly a major score. 

The controversy didn’t end there, deep into the contest upon the decision being made. The ARC (AFL Review Centre) upheld the decision with almost unsettling speed, failing to overturn a call that could define an entire season. The fallout was swift. Players were shattered, fans were outraged, and head coach Matthew Nicks could barely conceal his frustration in the post-match press conference. The AFL would later admit an error had been made, but for Adelaide, it was too late. Their finals hopes for 2023, were effectively over.

It was a moment that epitomised the chaos of modern footy, where technology, designed to eliminate human error instead became the source of one of the game’s most infamous decisions.

Sydney vs Geelong (Round 7, 2021)

The Swans make another appearance on this top-five list, and it won’t be their last. This particular match took place on their home turf at the SCG, where they faced the Cattery in a prime-time Saturday night showdown. In a thrilling contest, the Swans edged out a narrow two-point victory. However the result may have swung the other way if not for yet another contentious umpiring decision.

Jeremy Cameron plucked a strong contested mark as the ball was cleared from a congested pack, landing in the star forward’s hands near the far-right goalpost. For a brief moment, players on both sides hesitated, assuming Cameron had completed the mark. However, the umpire’s call—'Not 15, play on'—shattered that expectation. In a surprising turn, the official swiftly took possession of the Sherrin and signaled for a boundary throw-in.

Rather than reacting with frustration, the Coleman Medalist appeared more bewildered by the umpire’s bold and unexpected decision. The controversy quickly gained traction, with Fox Footy’s Gerard Whateley delivering a scathing blow relative to the incident, describing  that the umpire “gave up on this ball less than halfway through its trajectory.” In yet another blow to officiating credibility, the AFL was forced to confront the backlash and ultimately admit their error."

Adelaide vs Essendon (Round 6, 2024)

Returning to the list, and remaining in a sympathetic light are the Adelaide Crows. Once again, on the wrong end of a controversial decision. At the time, Adelaide’s season had started poorly, with just one win from their first five matches, leaving them desperate for a change in fortune.

Trailing Essendon by three points in the dying seconds, the Crows had surged inside their forward 50 for one final roll of the dice.

With the ball positioned just 30 meters out from goal, a frantic contest ensued. Amidst a sea of players, Bombers ruckman Sam Draper dived onto the ball, securing it tightly against his chest. Before Adelaide could even appeal, the umpire swiftly called for a ball-up—only for the final siren to sound immediately afterward.

Tex Walker led a furious protest inside a stunned Adelaide Oval, but it was in vain. The AFL later admitted via its website that the decision was, in fact, incorrect.

'Upon review, using both broadcast footage and behind-the-goals Hawkeye vision, it is evident that the ball shifts from under Draper’s chest to beneath his armpit/shoulder, meaning he remained in possession and did not immediately attempt to knock it clear. Therefore, by rule, a Holding the Ball free kick should have been awarded”.

Poor old Adelaide. When will they finally catch a break?

Honourable Mentions

• Essendon vs Collingwood (Anzac Day, 2019)

• Adelaide vs St Kilda (Round 7, 2020)

• St Kilda vs Gold Coast (Round 13, 2024)

• North Melbourne vs Collingwood (Round 14, 2024)

Let us know in the comments if we have missed any!