Following the game, The umpires look carefully at the video of the alleged incident. The three umpires are none too thrilled at this laborious post-match task. A clever RMIT student in physical education has worked out that each umpire runs the equivalent of a mini-marathon each game, and like the players, they just want to get to the pub and sink a few cold beers. Three times they study the last two minutes of the first half. "It’s like watching robots play football," one umpire comments on the effect of the freeze frame playback. "This is it right there", umpire Rodney Shanahan says, pointing to the screen. Shawn "Bomber" Evans’s elbow is clearly elevated, but the three umpires quickly dismiss any interpretation that it might be raised in anger. "He’s just grabbing for the ball at an angle, he’s off balance," one umpire says, and the other two nod. "Nothing in it, he never touched him," they agree. "If you ask me," says Shanahan, "Bomber was right the first time. I reckon it’s Bluey McLaren that’s hit his own team-mate." They have the power to refer the incident to the AFL for further investigation if they believe there's something in it, but after a short discussion they decide it is not warranted. There are no reports on the day… |
