The AFL conceded that its referees made an error by not having awarded the Adelaide star Izak Rankine a brand or a free kick in the dying minutes of the defeat of a point of crows against Gold Coast.
With 90 seconds playing the match on Saturday and Adelaide dragging by a point, the former Sun Rankine seemed to take a brand in the pocket, but was approached by Sam Collins and the ball spread.
If he is not considered a brand, Rankine clearly had the case that he had been illegally held in the competition and should have received a free kick.
Anyway, the star Crow would have had a shot to the goal.
But the referees called the game and the Suns cleaned the ball and were able to keep for a 13.13 (91) victory at 14.6 (90) at First Stadium.
“My version is that I think that if he did not score it, he was discussed in the marking competition,” said Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks about the decision defining the match.
The AFL admitted that Izak Rankine of Adelaide should have received a brand in the dying minutes of the match on Saturday
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks (photo) has questioned the arbitration decision
“But we have made so many mistakes throughout the game. Things happen.
The AFL confirmed on Sunday that it was a mistake.
“With 1.44 to play in the Gold Coast match against Adelaide, Rankine should have received a brand,” said a spokesperson.
“Subsequently, he was also detained in the marking competition, which should also have justified a free kick. During the exam, the referees missed it in real time.
“The AFL football department contacted Adelaide this morning.”
It will be little consolation for the crows (3-1), which underwent their first loss of the season, while Gold Coast (3-0) continue their undefeated start.
“This last and a half minute, we clearly did not get things done,” said Nicks.
“So I sit here as a coach and say,” What am I preaching to players? “
“I preach to be in the moment, not to blame others, to continue life, you have to butter and leave next week, so I do my best to stay in this space.
“I would say that we have frustrated fans there and I feel for them and I’m a little with them.”