The circuit-breaker that helped Crisp; How Docker explained dissent free kick

“I think we found a bit of form last week getting back to our DNA. We brought that in the first half again today. We probably need to tighten up a few different technical things around the ground and at stoppages over the next couple of weeks.”

Crisp heaped praise on defenders Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe and Billy Frampton for stopping the Hawks enough times to hold on for the win when they were being bombarded with Hawthorn’s forward entries.

Collingwood head into the bye in touch with the leading teams with two wins and the chance to reset before playing Port Adelaide at the MCG in round six.

Clark claims he swore at himself: How Docker explained dissent free kick

Jordan Clark told Fremantle officials he was admonishing himself rather than abusing the umpire when he was penalised for dissent after the Blues hit the lead inside the last minute when they were awarded a mark inside 50 metres, despite the ball being touched.

Two club sources familiar with Clark’s version of events who wanted to remain anonymous said the 23-year-old claimed he yelled either “f— you” or “f— you Jordan” while looking at the umpire, but the AFL told The Age Clark had used those words multiple times and the official believed at the time they were directed at him.

However, the Dockers are not claiming the umpire was wrong in interpreting the defender’s comments as dissent because they were said in the official’s vicinity with several players around him.

The incident didn’t overshadow Clark’s match from the Dockers’ perspective.

The emerging defender was told the free kick did not define his game and he had played well.

They believed the team’s decision-making mistakes, skill errors and poor execution of plans in the final minutes were more relevant in explaining how the Blues snatched an unlikely victory.

Carlton had already hit the front with 40 seconds remaining via a goal to Matthew Cottrell. But the free kick for dissent put the result beyond doubt when Blues’ midfielder Matthew Kennedy kicked straight to stretch the margin to 10 points, denying the Dockers the chance to clear the ball from the centre and score a goal to reclaim the lead.

Clark’s emotions were high as Dockers players believed the kick to Cottrell was touched off the boot and the mark should not have been paid.

The AFL conceded the kick from Carlton’s George Hewett had been touched before landing in Cottrell’s arms, but they backed the decision to award a free kick against the Dockers for dissent.

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The AFL issued a crackdown on dissent at the start of 2022 when Brad Scott – at the time the league’s football manager, but now coach of Essendon – decided players who disputed decisions should have free kicks awarded against them to set the right example for lower leagues.

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce approached the umpires as they were walking off the ground, seeking an explanation for the decisions that were made at the end of the game.

The result left the Blues undefeated, while it was the Dockers first loss for the season after an impressive start following a disappointing 2023.

Fogarty banned for Fyfe strike

Carlton’s Lachie Fogarty has been handed a one-match ban for striking Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe.

Fyfe took a mark on the wing in the third quarter on Saturday and was collected high by Fogarty’s outstretched arm.

The incident led to a 50-metre penalty and a scuffle between players from both teams.

Fyfe was not seriously hurt and played out the rest of the match.

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The AFL match review officer graded the incident as high contact, medium impact and careless conduct.

It means Fogarty will miss Carlton’s home clash with Adelaide in round five.

Blues coach Michael Voss defended Fogarty in his post-match press conference.

“I thought it was a great contest from two guys keeping their eyes on the footy,” Voss said.

“Fyfe went back with flight, ‘Fog’ came across and tried to spoil with his eyes on the ball the whole way. I thought it was just a great contest.”

AAP

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