Morgan, I question the umpiring on the basis of the interpretations of frees given to Cripps, the first doubtful being at the first bounce, against the interpretation of frees not given on many occasions to Mundy, Cerra, & Brayshaw.
The difference in interpretation of late but minimal contact on I think, Curnow, which resulted in a downfield free kick. Compared with the late hit on Schultz which resulted in him being concussed and taking no further part in the game and was not deemed worthy of a free, despite being high and forceful contact to the head. Compared also with Casboult's knees into Young and attempted forearm to the head, no intention of going for the footy, also not deemed worthy of a free, despite putting Young out of the game.
We have lost 5 players through injury of that cause so far this year, for more than 1 game, and if the umpires continue to allow it we will lose more. Yet any minimal contact by our players results in free kicks on a regular basis. What can Freo do? Taberner gave a player a shove after a whistle for a ball up, and was penalised, Cripps grabs Serong and throws him in similar circumstances, and everyone but Freo thinks it's a good laugh.
Yes, your right, I do have a beef with that sort of umpiring, especially when it leads to our players being injured continually, and our players being ridiculed, even by their own supporters.
