Gold Coast Damien Hardwick is once again at war with a controversial umpire call.
It was merely weeks ago that Hardwick used his post-match press conference to reflect the holding-the-ball interpretation and the dangers elongated whistle blows have to the players' safety, prompting an adjustment in the rule.
Now, the three-time premiership coach has flagged another issue from the game's adjudicators, picking out a contest during Saturday night's narrow loss to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
Key defender Mac Andrew and Saints forward Max King engaged in physical contact to assert a prime position in the lead-up to a marking contest.
Andrew was penalised for an off-the-ball hold on King close to goal, who ultimately kicked truly and deliver the club a much-needed victory.
The AFL has advised Gold Coast the free kick against Mac Andrew on Max King shouldnโt have been paid.
It shouldโve been called play on, given there was contact between both.
The umpire wonโt be dropped for the decision.Theyโve ticked off Sicily/Yeo calls @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL https://t.co/8Y2WuhHQw9
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) June 9, 2024
Hardwick was dumbfounded by the decision, expressing his bewilderment in the post-match press conference.
"Look, it was clearly in my view, a free kick that was unwarranted," Hardwick said.
"It's tough. Those guys are battling all day. I just think the umpire calls it, that's his job, but unwarranted for mine.
"When two guys are going toe-to-toe, one's grabbing, the other one's grabbing, it's like well, which way do you go?
"It was clearly, in my view, a free kick that was unwarranted."
Damien Hardwick's take on the late free kick against Mac Andrew. pic.twitter.com/QF6KkZysMs
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 8, 2024
"He's probably only looking at one person trying to give away the free kick and it's the defender. So that's life."
The Suns' poor form away from home extends to a sixth loss, with the club still searching for its inaugural finals berth after joining the competition in 2011.
Andrew was also involved in an off-field call in the opening term, where he pushed small forward Dan Butler in the chest, who subsequently fell over and was rewarded a free kick.
Victorious coach Ross Lyon was asked about the controversial King call after the Saints sang the song, but refused to weigh in on the matter.
A free paid to Dan Butler after this...#AFLSaintsSuns pic.twitter.com/i06G6VldhL
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 8, 2024
"I'd say I've been to grand finals where I could bang on about free kicks, but I never have, good or bad," Lyon said.
"So I'm not here to bang on, good or bad.
"People get kneed in the head, they don't get paid free kicks. Stuff happens. Everything's good 'til it's not, isn't it?"
St Kilda extend their win streak to two while the Suns go into their second bye after a frustrating loss.
Lyon's men will now look to the clash with Brisbane at the Gabba to kick off Round 14.
