AFL gives verdict on controversial Rankine mark call
Andrew Wu
The AFL has admitted umpires made a mistake in not awarding Adelaide forward Izak Rankine a mark or free kick in the dying stages of the Crows’ loss to Gold Coast on Saturday.
The error denied Rankine a shot at goal from about 35 to 40 metres out to put the Crows in front in a game that was decided by one point.
The AFL has admitted umpires made a mistake in not awarding a mark or free kick to Adelaide forward Izak Rankine.Credit: Fox Footy
As part of its practice of clarifying umpiring decisions that could have impacted the outcome of a game, the AFL contacted the Crows on Sunday to inform them of the error, though it will be of little consolation to the club, which would have finished the round on top of the ladder if it had won.
“With 1.44 remaining in the Gold Coast v Adelaide match, Rankine should have been awarded a mark,” an AFL spokesperson said. “Subsequently, he was also held in the marking contest, which should have also warranted a free kick. Upon review, the umpires missed it in real time.
“The AFL football department has contacted Adelaide this morning.”
Crows coach Matthew Nicks, whose side was denied a finals berth by a goal umpiring blue in late 2023, voiced his frustration at the non-free kick but said it was not the reason his team lost to the Suns.
“My version is I think if he didn’t mark it, he was tackled in the marking contest, but we made so many mistakes throughout the game. Things happen,” Nicks said.
“You get to the end of the game, and we’ve given ourselves a chance and you need every bit of luck in that moment. That last minute-and-a-half, we clearly didn’t get things going our way.
“So, I sit here as a coach and say: ‘what do I preach to the players?’
“I preach about being in the moment, don’t blame others, get on with life, you’ve got to butter up and go again next week, so I’m doing my best to stay in that space.
“I’d say we’ve got some frustrated fans out there and I feel for them and I’m a little bit with them.”
The Suns were not awarded a free kick earlier in the game for an apparent throw from Adelaide defender Mark Keane, which would have given the home team a shot at goal from point-blank range.
McKay, Hollands make it through VFL clash
Peter Ryan
Carlton pair Harry McKay and Elijah Hollands made it through Saturday night’s VFL game against Southport unscathed but there remains no guarantee they will be available for selection in the AFL team for Gather Round.
Harry McKay last played in the senior side in round one.Credit: Getty Images
The pair has been missing due to personal issues, with McKay stepping away after playing in round one and Hollands taking time out before the season started.
Carlton have remained adamant they will not comment on the likelihood of McKay and Hollands playing while they deal with their issues. Coach Michael Voss has previously said it will become clear they are playing when they are named on the team sheet.
There is hope they may be available but no certainty as the Blue attempt to find form.
McKay was mobbed by teammates after he kicked the first of his two goals in the Blues’ 56-point loss to the Sharks under lights at Ikon Park, while Hollands had 18 touches and laid four tackles.
The Blues will be forced to make one change – Lachie Cowan is sidelined with a hamstring injury for four to six weeks– but could also swing the axe after starting the season with four losses.
But their depth is being tested with McKay and Hollands the only obvious inclusions. Jordan Boyd and Corey Durdin (who laid 12 tackles) could replace Cowan and the struggling Lachie Fogarty. Lucas Camporeale appeared unlucky to be dropped after round two and could return to contention.
The club lost key player Nic Newman and high draft pick Jagga Smith before the season started, having already moved on midfielder Matthew Kennedy – who was top 10 in the club’s best and fairest – and Matt Owies, who kicked 33 goals as a small forward in 2024. They don’t have a first-round draft pick in 2025.
The Blues are desperate to break their duck with a win against West Coast next Saturday in Adelaide.
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