The Dockers' perfect start to the season comes to a shattering end

In the opening rounds of the 2023 Australian Football League (AFL) season, the Dockers of Fremantle demonstrated impressive form, securing three consecutive victories. Their winning streak came to an abrupt end in Round 4 when they faced off against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth. The match was closely contested, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. However, a contentious moment during the third quarter left fans and the Dockers feeling disheartened.

Matt Cottrell, a key forward for Fremantle, was involved in a marking contest with Bulldogs defender Marcus Adams. The umpire signaled a mark in favor of Adams, much to the surprise of the Dockers players, coaching staff, and spectators. The decision appeared questionable as it seemed that Cottrell had clearly secured clean possession of the ball before Adams touched it.

Following the game, the AFL admitted that an error had been made in the marking decision. The league's Match Review Panel (MRP) reviewed the footage of the incident and determined that Cottrell had indeed marked the ball before Adams touched it. This revelation came as cold comfort to Fremantle and their supporters, as the result of the game remained unchanged – a 12-point victory in favor of the Western Bulldogs.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir expressed his appreciation for the AFL's transparency in acknowledging their error. "It's important that the AFL holds their hands up when they make mistakes," Longmuir said in a post-match press conference. "It doesn't change the result, but it does give us some clarity around what actually happened."

Cottrell himself took the setback in stride, acknowledging that such decisions are part of the game. "It's footy – these things happen," he said. "We'll move on and focus on our next game."

The incident served as a reminder of the human element in officiating and the importance of maintaining transparency in the face of controversy. Fremantle and their supporters could only hope that future decisions would be more favorable as they prepared to face their next opponent.