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AFL admits Adelaide’s Nick Murray did handball deliberately out of bounds in win over Melbourne

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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VideoAdelaide have ended Melbourne's unbeaten run in 2021, but it wasn't without controversy.

The AFL has today conceded umpires in Adelaide’s shock one-point win over Melbourne erred in not awarding the Demons a potential match-winning shot on goal.

With less than 30 seconds remaining in the clash, Adelaide’s Nick Murray elected to handball directly towards the boundary line beside the Demons goal post.

Had Murray been penalised for his deliberate action, WA’s Luke Jackson was the closest player to the contest and could have had a set shot on goal to win or at least draw the match.

In a statement released on Monday, the AFL confirmed an error was made.

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“It was the view of the umpire in real-time, that from his angle there was a player in the vicinity and, as such, decided to call a Throw In,” the statement read.

“Upon video review, it was deemed the player did not display Sufficient Intent to keep the ball in play.”

Crows players celebrate as the siren goes.
Camera IconCrows players celebrate as the siren goes. Credit: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

It is the third time already in season 2021 the AFL admits an umpiring error has cost a side potential victory.

Back in round two, Brisbane were denied a crucial holding the ball free kick against Cat Mark Blivacs metres out from the Lions goal.

Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron was then denied a mark in the dying stages of their two-point loss to Sydney in round seven — which would have given him a chance at kicking a match-winning goal.

Melbourne had been unbeaten in 2021 until the round 10 clash at Adelaide Oval.

They now face fellow 9-1 team the Western Bulldogs in a Friday night blockbuster.

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