Richmond coach criticises AFL goal review technology that decided cliffhanger final against Brisbane

Richmond’s coach, Damien Hardwick, has blasted the AFL’s aim evaluation know-how which controversially denied his facet victory within the pulsating elimination last.

Up by three over Brisbane with two minutes to play on Thursday, the aim umpire gave a “tender” name of a aim to Tom Lynch’s angled set shot earlier than it was despatched upstairs for evaluation. The replay appeared to point out the Tiger’s snap sailed instantly over the submit to be awarded a behind.

As a substitute of being forward by 9, the decision saved the match alive earlier than the Lions superior to the opposite finish of the Gabba the place Joe Daniher stole it with 64 seconds left.

Hardwick was incensed on the name by the AFL evaluation centre, indicating that the replay wasn’t definitive sufficient to overturn the choice.

“I simply really feel the know-how just isn't ok and hasn’t been for a very long time,” he stated. “Clearly it’s indecisive nonetheless.”

Even the Lions coach, Chris Fagan, admitted he was not sure which means the decision would go.

Whereas Lynch, who slotted three straight earlier earlier than lacking two within the last quarter, didn’t have fun as if he’d kicked it, Hardwick downplayed that as an element.

“The entire thing is the know-how is to not the extent the place it must be,” he stated. “So both get it higher or do away with it.”

The triple premiership coach reiterated that he’d by no means been a fan of the ARC and felt that except the system was excellent the aim umpires needs to be the only real arbiter.

“Why don’t we simply let the umpire make the decision,” he stated. “They’re paid to do a job – allow them to do it.”

Richmond threatened to blow the ultimate open a number of instances by way of a match that had 17 lead modifications.

Though pleased with the hassle, Hardwick lamented turnovers from “elementary” errors and one other hamstring harm to his gun midfielder Dion Prestia simply earlier than halftime.

Hardwick felt Prestia’s loss affected the stability of his facet, forcing Dustin Martin into the midfield greater than they’d want.

“That [defeat] most likely sums up our 12 months,” he stated. “We simply made some improper choices … and we simply weren’t clear sufficient with our expertise.”