The Brisbane Lions may have reason to feel mistreated after a late call in the AFL grand final had huge implications for their premiership fortunes.
In a thrilling and frenetic end to Saturday’s showdown with Collingwood, the Lions had an advantage after Lachie Neale was tripped by Oleg Markov as Brisbane closed in on the forward 50.
However, Lions star Zac Bailey was apparently unaware of the advantage and continued to play, when a free kick would have been more beneficial.
Bailey threw a kick inside the 50, which was recovered by Nick Daicos. The referees were pleased that the Lions star had played the lead and the match continued, with the final siren sounding moments later to seal a memorable four-point victory.
But the incident sparked plenty of debate, with Tigers hero Matthew Richardson categorically claiming Bailey was unaware of the advantage.
Brisbane were the victims of a controversial call in the final moments of the grand final
Fans and pundits claimed the Lions were dealt a harsh hand before Collingwood won the match.
“Did Brisbane know it was a free kick? » Richardson told Channel 7.
“That wasn’t a good advantage, that one.”
‘It’s ridiculous. They didn’t even know it was their free kick.
Tom Rockliff, a two-time best and fairest winner with the Lions, also gave a scathing review of the call.
“How is this advantage?” This is shameful,” Rockliff wrote on X.
“Stolen lions. »
