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 victories in all three of their matches. However, their perfect start came to an abrupt end in Round 4 against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth. The game was fiercely contested, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.

One pivotal moment in the match occurred during the third quarter when Fremantle's Matt Cottrell appeared to take a mark in front of Bulldogs defender Marcus Bontempelli. The umpire initially signaled a mark in favor of Cottrell, but after consultation with his colleagues, the decision was overturned, ruling it as a free kick against the Fremantle player for holding the opposition.

This call sparked controversy among players, coaches, and fans alike, with many believing that Cottrell had indeed taken a valid mark. The incident left Fremantle feeling aggrieved, as the reversed decision ultimately led to a goal for the Western Bulldogs and swung momentum in their favor.

Following the game, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir expressed his disappointment with the umpiring decision, stating that "it was a clear mark." Longmuir went on to say that "these things happen in footy, but it's disappointing when you feel like you've been on the wrong end of it."

In response to the controversy, the AFL admitted that there had been an error in the interpretation of the marking rule during the game. In a statement released after the match, the league acknowledged that "the umpires got it wrong" and that "Cottrell did indeed take a valid mark."

This revelation provided little solace for Fremantle or their supporters, as the damage had already been done. The Bulldogs went on to win the game by 13 points, leaving Fremantle to ponder what could have been had the correct decision been made at the time.

Despite this setback, Fremantle continued to display resilience throughout the remainder of the season, ultimately finishing in fifth place on the ladder and securing a spot in the finals series. However, the memory of the controversial call against Cottrell remained a source of frustration for the club and its fans.

In summary, the Dockers' perfect start to the 2023 AFL season came to an end in Round 4 against the Western Bulldogs due to an incorrect umpiring decision regarding a mark taken by Fremantle's Matt Cottrell. The AFL later admitted that the call was in error, but the damage had already been done, with the Bulldogs going on to win the game. This incident left Fremantle feeling aggrieved but ultimately did not deter them from finishing strongly in the regular season.