Fremantle books preliminary final berth after controversial no-goal call against Geelong
The Fremantle Dockers beat the Geelong Cats 120-106 in an AFL semi-final to advance to the preliminary final against Sydney, in a match overshadowed by a contentious review decision that disallowed an Ollie Dempsey goal.
Dockers punch their ticket to the preliminary final
On Friday night at Perth Stadium, the Fremantle Dockers defeated the Geelong Cats 18.12 (120) to 16.10 (106) in their semi-final, as reported by The Age. Fremantle raced to a fast start, kicking six goals in the opening term to lead by 21 points at half-time, before Geelong staged a third-quarter fightback that briefly gave the Cats an eight-point lead. The home side responded with four goals in the final seven minutes of that term and held on late, sealing the win when Patrick Voss slotted a free kick with just ten seconds remaining.
Controversy over a disallowed goal
A pivotal moment came in the third quarter when Geelong's Ollie Dempsey attempted a spectacular scissor/bicycle-style kick to send the ball through the big sticks from a marking contest. The goal umpire initially called it touched, ruling the ball had brushed Fremantle defender Matthew Johnson's arm before going through. After a lengthy score review, the AFL's Score Review system (ARC) ruled there was "insufficient evidence to overturn" the call, and the point stood rather than a goal. According to Fox Sports, commentators disagreed on what the replay showed, with some suggesting the ball had come off Dempsey's boot last — in which case it would have been a goal, possibly even a contender for Goal of the Year — while others said it was too close to call. Geelong coach Chris Scott reacted furiously to the decision, and footage published by afl.com.au shows him punching a wall in the coaches' box in frustration.
Best on ground
Fremantle's Luke Jackson was named best afield, finishing with 25 disposals and two goals. Patrick Voss was the top forward with four goals, while Shai Bolton collected 26 possessions and kicked the match's opening two goals. For Geelong, Ollie Henry was the standout with five goals, three of them coming in the third term.
What's next
Fremantle now travel to Sydney for next week's preliminary final. Coach Justin Longmuir praised his side's character after last week's shock loss to Hawthorn. Elsewhere in the finals series, Adelaide recently claimed their first finals win in nine years and are preparing to face reigning premiers Brisbane, who suffered an unexpected loss to Sydney in their own qualifying final.
