Score review system whacked as Pies prevail over Lions

AFL great Brian Taylor has declared the umpires are “petrified of making mistakes” as the league’s score review system was again thrust into the spotlight during Collingwood’s 20-point loss to the Lions at The Gabba on Thursday night.

Slow score reviews were heavily criticised as the opening term of the grand final rematch extended to 33 minutes, despite only six majors being kicked.

After last season’s goalpost controversy that cost Adelaide a place in the finals, it appears a trend has emerged with the umpires electing to review any contestable call.

While sending decisions upstairs for review may help to avoid incorrect calls, it comes at the expense of lengthy delays.

Brisbane forward Cam Rayner scored for his side, however his goal was soon reviewed with the umpires wanting to check if the ball grazed the goalpost.

The review showed a significant gap between the ball and the post that should have been distinguishable.

As all goals are reviewed on the way back to the centre bounce, pundits were irritated by the extended break in play.

if 👏 the 👏 soft 👏 call 👏 is 👏 a 👏 goal 👏 back 👏 yourself 👏 in 👏 and 👏 let 👏 them 👏 review 👏 it 👏 during 👏 the 👏 ad 👏 break 👏#AFLLionsPies

— bear 🧸 (@beartorius) March 28, 2024

“Aw, come on,” Taylor said in commentary for Seven upon seeing the score review.

Hawthorn great Luke Hodge added: “This is why the ball should be going back to the middle”.

“When the ball goes back, every goal gets reviewed, that’s what should be done. So we just wasted 30 seconds.”

The Pies returned to the winners list in the 15.8 (92) to 10.12 (72) loss as they burned away in the second hald, while the Lions slumped to their third loss of the season.