A blatant dive from Geelong superstar Tom Hawkins kickstarted a fiery debate over the AFL’s newest controversy.
Hawkins – one of the biggest players in the competition, and arguably the best key forward – exaggerated contact from Hawthorn defender Sam Frost and dramatically leapt in the air to earn himself a free kick.
The umpire fell for it and rewarded the Hawkins theatrics, dumfounding the Hawks who were well on their way to an Easter Monday upset win.
READ MORE: Epic field goal ices biggest upset of the NRL season
READ MORE: Reaction from NRL’s most bashed man after epic victory melts hearts
But it was after the free kick was paid that the real controversy took place.
As Hawkins lined up for his shot and Frost stood there gaping at the replay on the big screen, the umpire blew a 50-metre penalty for “umpire abuse”.
It wasn’t against Frost, but two of his teammates, who had pleaded with the umpires to watch the replay on the screen and realise their error in awarding the free kick.
The AFL announced a crackdown on “abuse” this season, which basically means players are not allowed to question a decision at all during play, or risk being penalised. They’ve been penalised simply for extending their arms in exasperation.
For Hawkins, this meant his blatant staging was rewarded not only with a free kick, but a shot from right in front of goal thanks to the added 50-metre penalty.
https://twitter.com/RalphyHeraldSun/status/1515950330223415299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Players, fans, and commentators could hardly believe what they were seeing.
AFL great Garry Lyon was fuming when speaking to Fox Footy afterwards.
He is supportive of the crackdown against umpire dissent, but is livid with the inconsistency in how it’s being rolled out.
“This dissent issue… what we’ve seen over the course of this weekend suggests that there’s a crisis… it’s disgrace what we’ve seen over the weekend,” Lyon said.
“If they’re saying this (arms out) is a sign of dissension, pay it.
“(AFL football manager) Brad (Scott) needs to speak really strongly (on Tuesday) and if this is it, then this is it – because right now it’s embarrassing that our professional competition is run like this.”
After the game, Hawthorn’s James Sicily was asked what players thought of the crackdown.
“It’s a difficult one,” he told Fox Footy.
“I feel like if it’s not demonstrative, sometimes it’s just a reflex because it’s been that way for so long. But I suppose that’s why they are trying to implement it and we’ve got to try respect it as much as possible.
“It definitely is hard when the games are tight and emotions are high.
“To be honest, I’m not clear on it. I just try keep my hands to myself and just stand there.”
The Hawks upset the Cats 14.8 (92) to 11.14 (80).
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!