The AFL has admitted a crucial umpiring error cost Brisbane a chance at victory against Geelong in Friday's night thriller at GMHBA Stadium.
With less than 30 seconds on the clock and the Lions trailing by two points, Mark Blicavs was tackled by Zac Bailey on the last line of defence with the ball jarring free without the Cats defender making a legal disposal.
It appeared Blicavs had prior opportunity by attempting to evade Bailey's tackle with a spin maneuver.
However, umpire Robert O'Gorman waved play on and the ball was rushed through the behinds by a desperate Geelong defence - with the Cats holding on for a thrilling one-point win.
A free kick to Bailey would have resulted in the Lion lining up for goal from point-blank range, and a six-pointer would have put Brisbane in front by four points with only seconds remaining.
In a statement on Saturday, AFL umpires boss Dan Richardson admitted the decision was incorrect.
"The umpire at the time called play-on and, upon review, we acknowledge that it was a missed free kick on this occasion," Richardson said.
"By attempting to evade the player with the ball (Blicavs) had prior opportunity and as a result the call should've been holding the ball. "
After the match, Blicavs defended the decision by the umpire, insisting he did not have prior opportunity before being tackled by Bailey.
"I didn’t have prior. It was tough," Blicavs told the ABC.
"I picked it up and there was pressure all over. I tried to get it through (for a rushed behind) but the tackle was bloody good, but yeah, we’ll say play on."
The result was hugely important for both teams after Geelong suffered a shock loss to 2020 wooden spooner Adelaide in round one, while the Lions were stunned by Sydney at the Gabba on the same weekend.
Brisbane have now slipped to 0-2 and face a tough fortnight of matches where they face Collingwood at the Gabba next Thursday night and the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat the following round.
Geelong will attempt to consolidate their first four points of the season with a victory with consecutive MCG clashes against Hawthorn on Easter Monday and Melbourne.
