Craig McRae has sparked controversy with his bold claim that Collingwood would have been awarded a late 50-meter penalty if Friday night’s game had taken place at the MCG, suggesting they missed out due to the game being held in Sydney. The controversy erupted after the Swans staged a dramatic comeback to overturn a 21-point deficit, leading to an AFL victory over the Magpies. Many believed Tom McCartin should have been penalized with a 50-meter penalty.
In the final minute, with the Swans leading by three points, Dan McStay took a mark 65 meters out from goal. McCartin, who was not part of the marking contest, stepped over the mark, which should have resulted in a 50-meter penalty.
McRae, seen here after Collingwood’s defeat to Sydney, believes Collingwood would have received the penalty call at the MCG. Image: Fox Footy
This penalty would have given McStay a much easier shot at goal to win the game for the Magpies, but the call never materialized. Both fans and commentators felt the Magpies were wronged, and McRae suggested it was a case of the home team benefiting from the call.
Speaking after the game, McRae expressed his belief that his team would have received the call if the match had been at the MCG. “There’s definitely a home ground advantage. I thought it was a 50-meter penalty by the letter of the law.
“I’m sure the AFL will later admit it was a free kick or a 50-meter penalty. There were also a lot of deliberate out-of-bounds calls tonight, which felt like a circus, so I’m sure the AFL will justify those too. The umpires don’t always get it right, and that’s understandable.”
Collingwood players after their loss to Sydney. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Craig McRae ‘grappling’ with Collingwood’s surprising decline
Collingwood has now slipped to 11th on the ladder, making it unlikely they’ll finish in the top eight, just a year after winning the premiership. To reach the finals, they must defeat title favorites Brisbane and 12th-placed Melbourne, while also relying on other results to go in their favor.
“I’m sure our fans are hurting at home, and we feel the same. We’re human,” McRae said. “There are a lot of emotions attached to this. It means a great deal to many people. It’s uncomfortable sitting here because there’s so much at stake in these games.”
Sydney Swans players celebrate their remarkable comeback against the Magpies. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
McRae admitted he was “grappling” with assigning blame after the loss. “We’ve talked openly about what winning and losing behaviors look like,” he said.
“I believe that blame is a losing behavior, and I’m wrestling with that now. Wrestling with the urge to blame others, the umpires, or whatever else, because it’s tough when you lose. There could be consequences that may hurt us in the end. Time will tell. For most of the night, we did a lot of things right, and maybe that’s what hurts the most.”
AFL legends divided over Tom McCartin 50-meter penalty controversy
Regarding the McStay and McCartin incident, the general consensus was that Collingwood was unfairly treated. “I’d be furious if I were a Collingwood fan,” David King wrote on social media. “Just like the North Melbourne 50-meter penalty a few weeks back. Just call it – it’s there, have the guts to enforce the rules! Great game, but wow!!!”