Tex Walker has addressed the AFL’s admission that the umpire missed a holding the ball call on Essendon’s Sam Draper in the final moments of the Crows’ three point loss to the Bombers in round 6.
TEX WALKER ON THE INCORRECT SAM DRAPER HOLDING THE BALL CALL:
“It’s happened probably three times in the last 15 games for us,” Tex said on Roo, Ditts & Loz for Breakfast.
“So very very tough pill to swallow.
“It’s funny because a lot of people would say ‘well, don’t put yourselves in that situation’.
“Well guess what? We were in that situation.”
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Tex acknowledged that the call being made wouldn’t have definitely meant the Crows won, but suggested that a decision challenge system could have at least given them a chance.
“It doesn’t mean I automatically kick the goal and we win,” he said.
“Good on you (the AFL) for owning your mistake, but we should be looking at something… [like] a captain’s call.”
Tex explained that the stakes are too high not to be able to rectify incorrect decisions.
“We’re in a position now where we’re 1-4 going into it (the game against Essendon), if we go 2-4 does that kickstart your season a little bit?” he asked.
“Maybe, maybe not… it’s a tough pill to swallow.”
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Adelaide lost by three points to Essendon at Adelaide Oval on Friday night, with the controversial decision not to hand the Crows a free against Draper for holding the ball meaning they missed a chance to win the game after the siren.
The AFL addressed the decision the next morning, conceding it was technically holding the ball but backing the umpire for not making the call due to the congestion and uncertainty around the incident.
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Tex also threw his support behind Josh Rachele after some high profile incidents towards the end of the same game, the Crows’ up and down form and more.
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