Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
AFL umpire error has been acknowledged by the league after Brisbane forward Logan Morris was incorrectly called to play on during Thursday night's win over Sydney at the Gabba. The AFL confirmed on Friday that Morris should have been awarded a goal after the siren, conceding the decision was made in error and promising further clarification for clubs and umpires.
The controversial moment came at the end of the third quarter when Morris appeared to extend Brisbane's lead with a superb snap around his body. As the Lions celebrated, the field umpire had already ruled play on, believing Morris had failed to return to the correct line before taking his kick.
Following a review, the AFL admitted the decision was incorrect under the current interpretation of the rule.
AFL concedes incorrect play on decision
In a statement released on Friday, the AFL said Morris had complied with the rule despite kicking from slightly short of the original line of the mark.
"The umpire standing directly behind the line of kick judged that Logan Morris did not return to the line of kick and therefore called play on," the statement said.
"On further review, while Morris was short of the line of kick, we believe he has complied with the rule by kicking over the man on the mark and has not improved the angle to the goal posts and therefore play on should not have been called."
The AFL also confirmed it would reinforce the interpretation with clubs and umpires.
"We are clarifying to umpires and clubs that where a player lines up perpendicular to their line of kick, they must either kick over the player on the mark, or kick from the line of kick."
Fagan seeks greater clarity
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said he believed Morris had followed the rule as it had been explained earlier this season.
"My understanding of that rule is as long as you start near the boundary and kick over the guy's hands on the mark, that's OK," Fagan said.
"I thought that's what he did."
Fagan said the incident highlighted the need for consistency so players clearly understand what is expected.
"It would be good to get some clarity on it because the learning for Logan might be, if you ever get another shot on goal and the siren's gone mate, maybe you've just got to go straight back and kick over the hands on the mark so there's no doubt you've done the right thing."
"We'll ask because he did that thinking he was doing the right thing."
Decision sparks widespread criticism
The ruling quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the match, with several commentators questioning both the interpretation and the wording of the rule.
Brian Taylor argued Morris had not gained any advantage by kicking from short of the mark.
"The rule says as long as you don't improve your angle by going over the mark," Taylor said during Seven's coverage.
"I think they've got that wrong."
Former Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge labelled the situation "a mockery" and questioned the practicality of the rule when players use snap kicks around the body.
Kane Cornes described it as "the worst decision of the year" and criticised the AFL's frequent rule adjustments.
Hamish McLachlan revealed during the broadcast that AFL football boss Greg Swann advised the latest interpretation required players to kick over the man on the mark.
Taylor maintained that interpretation did not align with the written laws of the game.
Similar controversy earlier this season
The incident follows another high profile play on decision involving Hawthorn forward Nick Watson earlier this season.
Watson was penalised after being judged to have deviated off his line before converting a set shot with a drop punt.
Although the circumstances differed, both incidents have intensified debate surrounding the application of the stand rule and the interpretation of the protected area during set shots.
The AFL's admission is unlikely to change the result of Thursday night's match, but it does provide Brisbane and Morris with confirmation the decision should have been handled differently.
The league will now hope its latest clarification delivers greater consistency for players and umpires as the season enters its second half.
