I watched the Geelong/Port game with great interest. I have no love or hate for either team so I don't think what I noticed was due to an internal bias, let me know what you think.
At a crucial point in the game, when Geelong were making a comeback, Port lifted in response. Anytime a Geelong player went near the ball there was a Port player to tackle them. But in this 5 minute period Port could not buy a free kick. On a number of occasions I saw the ball pinball from Geelong player to Geelong player, every one of them dropping or throwing the ball but no frees for Port. If the ball went to a Port player there would be a free for holding the ball or throwing rather quickly. If I were a port fan I would be very angry. There was a holding the ball free kick right in front when the player clearly handballed the ball away as he was tackled from behind.
The contested ball is one of the most important parts of the game, Port were trying their guts out and playing clean footy but Geelong kept getting all the frees. Most uncharacteristically I think I will be barracking for Hawthorn next week because if the Swans came up against Geelong and lost the way Port did last night I would be livid.
Bookmarks