Mooney Free Kick Too Harsh Post by: The Learned One 6 September, 2010 - 12:23 PM

(Video: Channel Seven)

Triple M’s Luke Darcy believes Friday night’s controversial last-minute push-in-the-back decision against Geelong’s Cameron Mooney should not have been paid.

Mooney fell into St Kilda defender James Gwilt’s back after he disposed of the ball and the call denied the Cats what would certainly have been a match-winning goal off the boot of Cameron Ling moments later in their titanic qualifying final against the Saints.

While Luke admits that the decision was the right one to the letter of the law, he told The Hot Breakfast on Monday morning that it was too technical in the context of the match.

“On the way the decisions have been paid all year that technically is a free kick and had to be paid,” Luke said.

“However ... I think umpires get it right Grand Final Day because they don’t want to get involved when they don’t necessarily need to get involved.”

“It is an interpretation-based game so I would love to see the little technical ones let go.”

“That’s what happens on Grand Final Day and I reckon that should flow through to the whole system all year round.”

Eddie McGuire agreed with the Duke and explained that as Gwilt was playing no further part in the play, the free kick shouldn’t have been paid.

“Gwilt had got rid of the ball, he was gone, he was not going to play any further part in the next play because he was going to ground anyway, he was on his knees – play on, let the game go,” Eddie said.

Check out the video. Should a free kick have been paid against Mooney?

Leave your comment

• Chris says

  I think this is rediculous that one umpire deicison is the subject of so much contention. How many cheap free kicks were paid to the likes of Johnson and Selwood where they duck into the ongoing player...specificaly one where there was little or no contact . If Mooney could actually kick straight maybe they would have won the game...oh yeah and that other game 2 years back against Hawthorn. Deal with it Mooney and any other cat supporter, And i am an Essendon supporter so no biase towards the Saints....but go Saints for the flag!

  Posted Monday 6 September, 2010 12:40 PM
• Anna Xerri says

  How much longer are we going to hear about whether it was or whether it wasnt a FREE for In The Back? Gee Moonee and Cats get over it! it was clearly in the back same one was pd against Lenny earlier on in the game - the cats also got away with a few holding the ball! Also good try Ling - what you didnt hear the umps whislte pfft - should have got a 50 for that and Moonee mouthing back at the ump make than another 50 = 100mtr penalty. What about the goal that went through (cant remember the player) but Dawson touched it ? That may have turned the game around (I realise the heavens opened up too) .
  Lets not also forget the GF in 2009 when Hawkins hit the post but the goal umpire pd it as a goal - everyone was shocked, laughable NO for gods sake it was the GF. That may have cost us the Premiership it gave the cats a sniff! Did Ross Lyons complain? NO! How I wish for the Saints to win this years Premiership.........GO SAINTSSSS

  Posted Monday 6 September, 2010 4:14 PM