The most controversial umpiring call against your AFL team this century
Reclaiming The Ashes, the conclusion of tennis tournaments, and the arrival of footy pre-season—what an exhilarating time for sports enthusiasts! This is a season where every footy supporter dares to dream big. It's a time when anything seems possible! Your team, which narrowly missed the finals last year, could very well rise to the occasion and make an incredible run! (Yes, we’re looking at you, North!)
Interestingly, humans seem to have a remarkable ability to forget the pains of childbirth and the challenges that come with raising children. It’s almost as if nature has designed us to overlook these hardships to encourage larger families. Similarly, during those wild nights in February, as we read about our beloved players putting in intense training sessions with their impressive pre-season physiques, we tend to overlook the reality that many footy fans will likely face disappointment in 2026.
A significant share of that disappointment will be directed towards the umpires wearing bright-colored uniforms. To remind you that being a footy fan can often feel like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, I’ve taken the time to investigate the most egregious umpiring blunders against each club throughout the 21st century.
*It’s essential to clarify that this article isn’t meant to vilify umpires who make mistakes. We all recognize that officiating is a challenging job, and everyone makes errors. So, rather than getting personal, channel your frustrations into a constructive outlet—scream into the void like a well-adjusted adult.
Adelaide
In 2023, the Adelaide Crows were poised to reach the finals for the first time since 2017. With just a minute remaining on the clock and trailing the Swans by two points, Ben Keays executed a remarkable goal from the boundary line. However, the goal umpire ruled it a behind. Consequently, the Swans clinched victory by a single point, leaving Adelaide once again outside the finals.
Fans from rival teams universally agree that the Crows were unjustly treated in this instance, providing ammunition for the classic retort: "I saw it right in front of me!"
