A controversial AFL score review decision to chalk off a Tom Lynch goal has marred Brisbane's heart-stopping two-point win against Richmond in Elimination Final at the Gabba on Thursday night.
In the dying stages of the game, Lynch took a huge mark 10m out on a tight angle, with a goal to put the Tigers up by nine points and all-but seal their progression to the semi-finals.
But Lynch's checkside effort at goal went high and it could not be seen initially with the naked eye if it was six points or a behind.
The goal umpire's decision was a goal as the final call went to the AFL score review system, with Lynch and the Richmond players not celebrating the shot at goal.
With the onus on the score review operator to provide definitive proof that the goal umpire's decision was incorrect to overturn a decision, using three cameras, it was deemed that the ball went over the post and it was a behind.
While the right decision might have been achieved judging by the reaction of Lynch and his Tiger team-mates, it didn't appear as if the score review operator could have found definitive evidence that the Lynch shot missed.
Therefore it should have been a goal and Richmond would likely be facing the winner of Melbourne and Sydney next week, not the Lions.
The defensive lapse that cost Richmond
Regardless of whether the right or wrong decision was found with the Lynch shot, the Tigers only have themselves to blame for the late Joe Daniher goal that sealed Brisbane victory.
After Zac Bailey was taken high by Josh Gibcus on the 50 out on the boundary, the ball was pumped into the goal square with Richmond holding a significant numerical advantage.
With Robbie Tarrant side by side with Daniher, Jack Riewoldt, Toby Nankervis and Noah Balta were there to deal with Bailey's bomb, with not much pressure applied from Brisbane's forwards.
Instead, Riewoldt, Nankervis and Balta managed to spoil each other and Daniher went goal-side to gather the ball and snap the winner.
JOE DANIHER!
— AFL (@AFL) September 1, 2022
Brisbane are in front with a minute to play 🤯#AFLFinals | #AFLLionsTigers pic.twitter.com/Uv6v81P3be
Talk between the three Richmond talls for one to mark or even a clean spoil through the behinds would have likely meant the Tigers would have been in the box seat to win.
Is Lachie Neale even human?
Neale recorded an incredible 15 clearances from his 39 touches in one of the all-time great finals performances.
It was the second-highest amount he has recorded in an game, behind the 16 he gathered against Port Adelaide in round three 2019.
Seven of Neale's clearances were from the centre, as he picked up an equal-game high nine score involvements.
The 2020 Brownlow Medallist also had an incredible 95 per cent game time as he almost single-handedly got his team over the line.
Maurice Rioli is going to be a star
Rioli only had 12 touches and four tackles but the pressure he applied to Brisbane was incredible.
The amount of occasions Rioli's presence and hassling caused turnovers for opposition players was staggering.
He even had the composure to step around Keidean Coleman on the boundary line and kick a crucial goal in the third quarter.
