'It contributed in a way that helped the Dogs win'

The umpiring in the AFL grand final has been a source of great debate in the aftermath of the Western Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership victory.

The Bulldogs were on the receiving end of a very favourable free kick count and Swans fans aren't happy.

Now, Sydney Swans great Tadgh Kennelly has had his say.

Speaking to Fox Sports News, Kennelly said he didn't want to seem like he was eating "sour grapes", but felt there were "some really tough decisions made in a really tight game".

"I don't think it was the overall difference between winning and losing the game," Kennelly said. "But it certainly contributed in a way that helped the Dogs win the game."

The free kick count finished up 20-8 in the Western Bulldogs' favour as they went on to win by 22 points.

According to Fox Sports, the 12 free kick difference was the biggest in a grand final since 1994.

One particular source of criticism against the umpires was a hit on Sydney's Daniel Hannebery below the knees that went unpunished.

The Swan was forced off the ground with medial ligament damage and some bone bruising, and umpires boss Luke Ball later admitted it should have been a free kick.

"You've got to remember the Swans were only a point down with seven minutes to go — they are crucial calls," Kennelly said.

"Now I don't buy into the umpires getting caught up in the romance of it all, they're there to be professional and clear as they see the calls.

"It had an impact in the game, which was a bit disappointing."

Tom Papley was also denied a free kick for contact below the knees later in the game.