'Monumental mistake': Port fume over controversial Crows goal
Port Adelaide’s coach and fans have been left seething over what’s been described as a “major failure” by the AFL that could have robbed Power victory against Adelaide.
The Crows pipped Port by three points on Saturday at Adelaide Oval, with Adelaide’s Josh Jenkins kicking a controversial deciding goal.
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Jenkins was awarded a goal after a video review but admitted he thought his shot touched the post.
The mistake has huge implications for both clubs: Adelaide remain in the finals hunt while the Power slip outside the top four and could drop outside the eight by Sunday night.
The AFL put out a statement insisting that the correct procedures were followed before awarding the goal.
AFL Statement on Josh Jenkins goal: pic.twitter.com/L0XtmOzgOa
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) August 4, 2018
However, Power coach Ken Hinkley was left fuming at the error but says there’s no point seeking an apology from the AFL.
“What for? What are they going to say, ‘Sorry, we got it wrong you now sit seventh’?,” he said.
“They will (admit to the mistake) but they have got no consequence, they have absolutely got no consequence.”
The Port coach wasn’t alone in his anger, with plenty of fans also left seething on social media.
This is why the score review doesn't work. Jenkins goal actually hit the post, yet our technology, or lack of doesn't pick that up. If the score reviewer looks at it and can't decide, then why not just leave it with the goal umpires and stop wasting everyone's time #AFLCrowsPower
— Azza (@BlueSpur86) August 4, 2018
Was it just me or did Jenkins goal look like it went the wrong side of the post? #AFLCrowsPower
— Matt James (@mattjmil) August 4, 2018
The expert involved in the Jenkins goal review needs to resign from his position. Don’t come Monday. #AFLCrowsPower
— DAMIEN (@DamienDzanic) August 4, 2018
Goal given but it hit the post. Jenkins said he thought his goal hit the post post game. The goal won the game for crows.
— Mark (@Markish_Gambino) August 4, 2018
Hinkley said the error should never have happened, saying most coaches had voiced concern about flaws in the video review system.
“The AFL, in a billion-dollar industry, can wreck seasons for football clubs,” he said.
“If I was the AFL, I would be embarrassed and disappointed.
“(The AFL) will come out and say they got it wrong.
“But … the technology should have made sure that this monumental mistake in a football season should not have appeared.
“There’s a major failure by the AFL … major failure.”
Hinkley stressed he didn’t want to be seen as “a sore loser”, saying the Crows deserved to win after outplaying his side.
But he said the AFL should focus on fixing the score review problem rather than pondering future rule changes.
“The amount of time that is getting spent on rule changes – and we have had 24 hours of wonderful football, haven’t we,” Hinkley said.
“There should be a lot more time spent in moments that are significant to outcomes and can put a season like ours (in jeopardy).
“We have been really strong all year and we have still got a great opportunity.
“But to lose that one, that way … in an industry that is about getting it right, we didn’t get it right.”
With AAP