In another tight contest between these side, Geelong came from behind to over-run an exhausted Carlton – down to just one on the bench after injuries to David Ellard, Dale Thomas and Troy Menzel – by six points at Etihad Stadium.
For much of the second half, though, it appeared Carlton may find a way to hold on, the undermanned Blues kicking goals at vital moments while Geelong shot themselves in the foot, booting 5.11 after half-time.
But with Chris Scott’s side behind by a point late in the final term, Geelong launched the ball forward to a contest between Cat Allen Christensen and Sam Docherty, one that saw the Carlton defender get the slightest of touches on his opponent.
The umpire nearest the contest didn’t see any issue and play was allowed to go on for several seconds as Carlton looked to clear before the non-controlling umpire stepped up and paid a free kick to Christensen from at least 40 metres away.
Docherty on Christensen dying minutes - what's your decision? #AFLBluesCats pic.twitter.com/79Xe0WPBV6
— AFL Photos (@AFLphotos) August 16, 2014Cool in a crisis as Geelong’s hopes of a top-two finish hung on his kick, Christensen nailed the goal, giving the Cats the lead once again.
When asked about the free kick, Malthouse tried to be diplomatic and adhere to the AFL’s recent memo, reminding coaches and players to be wary of criticising umpiring decisions. But the Carlton coach couldn’t resist a few digs.
"(It was) a bit strange especially when the senior umpire was 20m away and I think he got it right," Malthouse said.
"I thought in the spirit of the game the way it was, it was probably play-on, but then I would say that wouldn't I?"
It was the second time on the night that the non-controlling umpire had over-ruled the ump closest to the contest after a first-quarter incident where Menzel had taken a dive to earn a free.
Malthouse, though, didn’t feel there was a need for the AFL to look at tightening rules on when a non-controlling umpire was able to over-rule.
“No, no, no, that’s the way it is,” he said. “It’s always been like that.
“They (the umpires) support each other. So I’m not going to be crook on that. That’s the way it is. It’s no use ... that’s just the roll of the dice I s’pose.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott added:
“One thing I have said consistently through the year I hope and even in previous years, sometimes the umpires get obscured and that’s the part that is not understood well enough out there,” he said.
“The view or the angle that the viewers are getting at home is different to the view of the controlling umpire a lot of the time.
“So if an out-of-zone umpire pays a free kick all we would ask is that he’s sure and if he’s sure and he’s got a good view of it then it seems to be the right thing.
“There was a huge delay though wasn’t there and that frustrates ... well obviously the opposition supporters more because you feel like you’ve got away with one and then there’s a bit of a delay and then they call it back.”
The incident and the result was a case of déjà vu for Carlton after the Blues lost another close one to Geelong back in Round 12 when a late Joel Selwood goal delivered the points for the Cats.
But in that match, in a frantic finish, Blues forward Menzel was denied what appeared a clear free kick in front of goal and the Cats were able to hang on.
"Perhaps certain things took place that, without going into it too deep, I thought we were probably a bit stiff to have lost both games," Malthouse said.