AFL News

Longmire bemused by McRae’s “extraordinary” home-ground advantage admission

“This year they play 14 games at the MCG, they play three at Marvel, that’s 17 games essentially in front of their home crowd.”

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Sydney coach John Longmire has slammed Craig McRae's home-ground advantage comments that followed the controversial finish on Friday night.

With seconds to go, Collingwood forward Dan McStay took a mark 70 metres out from goal, with Swans defender Tom McCartin trailing behind and seemingly encroaching the mark.

The umpire opted not to penalise McCartin 50 metres, prompting McRae to suggest that the non-call was swayed by the home-ground advantage.

Speaking on Monday, Longmire was bemused by the opposition coach's remarks, saying the Pies get their fair rub of the green.

"It was an extraordinary admission from a coach of a team that has the biggest home-ground advantage in the AFL," Longmire said.

"This year they play 14 games at the MCG, they play three at Marvel, that's 17 games essentially in front of their home crowd and they play finals and the Grand Final on their home deck.

"I was at a North Melbourne-Collingwood game this year when a couple Collingwood boys went over the mark and it could have been a fifty and it wasn't paid.

"From the coach of the team with the biggest home ground advantage including finals.

"We travel every second week, unlike some teams."

The victory keeps Sydney a game clear on top of the ladder and broke a string of three losses in a row, with one being a 112-point belting from Port Adelaide.

The Swans are likely to get back key defender Lewis Melican for its Round 23 clash against Essendon on Friday.

2024-08-16T09:40:00Z
Marvel Stadium
ESS
59
FT
98
SYD

Tom Papley and Justin McInerney are eyeing a return in the first week of the finals.

Published by
Aidan Cellini