Brisbane Lions v Essendon Bombers: Controversial review lands Jake Stringer a goal

Tom Naghten

Brisbane Lions v Essendon Bombers: Controversial review lands Jake Stringer a goal image

Another week, another inexplicable goal review drama in the AFL.

Essendon were the beneficiary this time as Jake Stringer was controversially awarded a goal late in the game at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon.

Stringer had snapped a goal through a crowded pack, but the field umpire, and in turn the goal umpire, called the kick touched off the boot.

It was sent upstairs for a review where the decision was overturned.

MORE: GWS Giants thump Gold Coast but expansion clubs under pressure

Dayne Beams' hand clearly moved backwards after the ball went passed, suggesting he got a hand to it.

Check out the video below. 


Plenty of viewers were left baffled by the decision, while commentator Anthony Hudson pointed out that umpires appear to making calls on whether the ball was touched despite having enough doubt to review it.

Even Stringer himself said he thought it was touched.


 





Fortunately the game was all but decided at that point, but the goal review system continues to show its flaws.

The Bombers were able to run out 22-point winners, Stringer impressing with three goals and nine tackles.

John Worsfold's side had to do it without captain Dyson Heppell in the second half after he was bowled over by Luke Hodge.


Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.