Latest AFL News

Geelong coach Chris Scott lauds controversial score review in tight finish

“In my mind, that’s exactly how it should work.”

Published by
Frank Seal

Chris Scott has praised the much-maligned AFL score review system following Geelong's thrilling four-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

A mark late in the fourth quarter to livewire Cat Tyson Stengle appeared to be taken over the behind line with the ball going through for one point.

Play continued with a Bulldogs kickout before play was called back for a score review.

Footage showed Stengle having controlled the ball before crossing the back of the line, allowing a set shot and a certain goal for Geelong.

"When we saw the replay we thought it was pretty clear," Scott said post-match.

"It seems to me perfectly logical... even if the play goes on for another 30-40 seconds that it should be recalled," he added.

"In my mind, that's exactly how it should work.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Chris Scott, Senior Coach of the Cats addresses his players during the 2023 AFL Round 18 match between the Geelong Cats and the Essendon Bombers at GMHBA Stadium on July 15, 2023, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"No one could accuse me of being a sycophant for the AFL, but when they do a good job I'm prepared to acknowledge it."

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge also accepted the decision on the night, albeit with more reluctance than his counterpart.

"You just accept whatever decisions are being made are the right ones," Beveridge said post-match.

"If he's marked it in front of the line or any part of the line then they deserve it."

The decision came just hours after another controversial finish between the Dockers and Blues, where the AFL has since conceded making the wrong decision in allowing a mark and goal to Carlton's Matthew Cottrell to take the lead with 40 seconds remaining.

Both incidents brighten the spotlight on the AFL's score review system which has caused much conjecture in the first five weeks of the 2024 season.

Published by
Frank Seal