Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has launched a stinging criticism of the AFL’s score review system after Thursday night’s controversial decision in the elimination final.
With the Tigers leading by three points against Brisbane, Tom Lynch marked the ball at the teeth of goal on an acute angle with less than two minutes remaining.
Despite Lynch’s set shot being called a goal on-field, the ARC deemed there was enough evidence to overturn the decision after the ball appeared to sail directly over the goal post.
Brisbane then went down the other end of the field and kicked what turned out to be the winning goal off the boot of Joe Daniher, as the game ended in high controversy.
Speaking about the decision post-match, Hardwick called on the competition to improve the ARC system or simply get rid if it.
“I feel the technology is not good enough and hasn’t been for a long period of time,” he said.
“We put a lot of money into it and clearly it is still indecisive. We’ve got goal umpires – pick which way you want to go.
“The technology is not to the level it needs to be so we either get it better, or we don’t have it.”
The AFL ticked off the ARC’s decision: “The ARC reviewed all the camera angles and it is viewed as a definitive behind. The correct call was made.”
The Tigers will be left to lick their wounds following the defeat, having battled back to finish in seventh spot after missing the finals last season.