You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need.
Those famous Rolling Stones words were ringing in my head after last Saturday night’s thrilling match between Fremantle and North Melbourne at Optus Stadium.
It took me way back to my 133rd game on April 30, 2005.
St Kilda celebrate in Launceston, 2005.Credit:Getty Images
The infamous ‘sirengate’ match at a windy and overcast York Park in Launceston, where for only the second time in VFL/AFL history a result of a game was changed on protest thanks to the efforts of players, club administrators and lawyers to earn the four points we thought we truly deserved.
We never thought we’d see it again.
But again last Saturday night, Fremantle found itself in a situation with a siren.
The weekend’s controversial last second decision by the umpires to not award the Dockers a free kick led to confused fans asking if the Dockers had been robbed of an after-the-siren shot at goal to either draw or win the game.
Being at ground level at the time, I think the umpires made the right decision, given it was so hard to ascertain exactly when the ball crossed the line and the final siren went.
The AFL has the technology available to them with the ARC system and yet strangely did not allow for its use in an (incredibly rare) situation such as this.
Our game is beautiful in that there are vagaries and nuances that no other sport in the world possesses. But with the technology to assist those adjudicating the game, why aren’t we using it and allowing the Captain to ask for a review in such a situation?
After a review, the weekend’s decision may well have been the same – a win to the Kangaroos – but imagine if that was in this weekend’s Western Derby or worse, deep into September on Grand Final day? I think we all would rather have the decision be covered off at the time if possible.
Andrew Brayshaw reacts after the final siren last week. Credit:Getty Images
Back in Round 5 2005, we had jumped out to a handy lead against St Kilda, only to be challenged by the Saints who came back with a late surge. I happened to be standing right next to the umpire at a stoppage deep in the Saints’ forward 50, as the siren went.
I vividly remember Scotty Thornton being the first player to put his hands up and start celebrating our victory.
Almost 18 years on, I am not certain I heard the siren or was just reacting to Scotty, but I started celebrating the one point victory as well.
Before we could realise, suddenly the umpire bounced the ball and it was game on again for another few seconds. What followed was utter chaos and confusion, as Steven Baker was awarded a free kick taking a shot at the win, just as our coach Chris Connolly was marching onto the ground yelling “the siren had gone!!”
It had all happened so quickly: one moment we had won and the next, St Kilda had a chance to win, and the moment after that we were standing around arguing the result. If it hadn’t been so serious, it would have been hilarious.
After the match, it was a circus. Club executives, board members and AFL officials were all rushing around, madly trying to figure out the next move.
The following week back in Perth, we had QCs and all manner of lawyers with our administrators taking player statements. Trying hard to gather evidence in order to earn the four points which we thought were rightfully ours.
While the scenarios are different, it is hard to understand why it took the AFL 12 hours to review the footage from last weekend’s game and put out a press release, when players, media and fans were asking for an explanation on the night.
An explanation is what many Freo fans are asking right now, and not just about last weekend. They’re looking at their team’s early season form ahead of Western Derby 56. Smashed in the contest against the Kangaroos and with a severe lack of connection with ball in hand across the first two rounds, the Dockers enter the match with a surprising 0-2 start to the year with their crosstown rival smelling blood.
And while trying harder than your opponent is often the difference in winning or losing an AFL match, perhaps this week the best advice for the team in purple is to ‘loosen the grip.’
Freo have the fourth youngest list in 2023 and younger players are often said to be ‘too coachable’ trying to heed the coach’s message, by searching to do the right thing, as compared to just playing what is in front of them.
Playing with freedom and on instinct requires long hours of training and repetition, but also a clear mind that just acts rather than thinks.
And while trying hard might get what you need. Sometimes you must strive for what you want.
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