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, winning their first three matches. However, their perfect start came to an abrupt end in Round 4 against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth. In this closely contested game, Fremantle's Matt Cottrell was involved in a contentious incident that ultimately proved costly for the team.

With the scoreline finely balanced in the third quarter, Cottrell found himself in a one-on-one situation with Bulldogs defender Marcus Bontempelli. As Bontempelli attempted to pressure Cottrell, the Fremantle player leapt into the air to contest a mark over his opponent. However, as Cottrell landed, it appeared that his feet touched the ground before he secured the ball, potentially making it an illegal mark.

Upon review by the umpire, the decision was made that Cottrell had indeed marked the ball illegally. This call resulted in a free kick being awarded to the Western Bulldogs, which they duly converted into six points. The incident left Fremantle fans and players dismayed, as the decision seemed to significantly impact the outcome of the game.

Following the match, the AFL admitted that there had been an error in the interpretation of the rules regarding Cottrell's mark. In a statement released after the game, the league acknowledged that the umpire had misapplied the marking rules and that the decision should have been in favor of Fremantle.

Despite this revelation, the damage had already been done. The Dockers went on to lose the game by just five points, with the six points awarded from Cottrell's disputed mark proving crucial in the Bulldogs' victory. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir expressed his disappointment in the situation, stating that such errors could have significant consequences in close games.

The incident served as a reminder of the importance of accurate decision-making in high-pressure situations and the potential impact that incorrect calls can have on the outcome of an AFL match. For Fremantle and their supporters, the bitter taste of what could have been a fourth consecutive win was a harsh reminder of the unpredictability of football and the human element that often comes into play in the game.