Fremantle Dockers ruckman Sean Darcy had just scored a 50-metre goal during his side’s clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, but none of the commentators were talking about it.
They were instead focused on the pluck of goal umpire Adam Wojcik who stood his ground as a pack of defenders and attacking players converged around him with the ball just crossing the line.
Brisbane star Joe Daniher could even be seen launching himself off the Wojcik’s shoulders in an attempt to get his hands to the ball, as though he were an opposition player in the mixer.
“He was strong in the contest here,” Brad Johnson said in commentary.
“Look at the positioning. He knows he’s in trouble here.
“Joe’s used him as a stepladder to try and spoil the ball.
“Well done, well done. That is awesome. In amongst that pack.”
Wojcik has umpired in over 250 AFL matches since debuting in 2008. He umpired at the 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 grand finals.
Not everyone loved the umpire’s involvement, though, with some fans on Twitter opining that he shouldn’t have got in the way.
“Should have been a free to Fremantle for the hold by the goal umpire,” wrote one user, @WillPix_.
Co-commentator Gerard Healy realised at one point the goal, awarded with the help of replays, had almost been forgotten.
“Those eyes did not leave the ball. They were staring eyes,” he said.
“Unfortunately for Sean Darcy we’re not chatting about his goal.
Incidentally, the Brisbane Lions won the match by 18 points and moved up to fifth on the ladder.
The match was supposed to be played in Perth, but COVID-19 concerns in WA saw it shifted to Brisbane.
