AFL admits umpire error for Prespakis’s match-winner for Cats against Tigers

Geelong’s thrilling round-one AFLW victory over Richmond will stand despite the league conceding the match-winning free kick was taken by the wrong player.

Georgie Prespakis maintained her composure to convert a long-range set shot with less than a minute left on the clock at Kardinia Park on Sunday.

The goal settled a low-scoring slog, with the Cats prevailing 2.3 (15) to 1.5 (11).

The AFL on Monday declared the initial free kick was correctly paid against Tigers midfielder Monique Conti for a dangerous tackle on Prespakis.

The decision to award it downfield was also correct, as Prespakis had got a handpass away before being swung to the ground.

But Chloe Scheer was the closest player to where the ball landed and should have been given possession.

The AFL conceded the officiating umpires made an error in giving the ball back to Prespakis.

“The decision to pay a free kick for a dangerous tackle and for it to be awarded downfield was correct, with umpire coaches ticking it off due to excessive rotation,” the league said in a statement.

“An error was made in awarding the free kick to Georgie Prespakis.

“It should have gone to the nearest player where the ball landed.”

Prespakis’s goal gave Geelong a perfect start to the new campaign under second-season coach Dan Lowther.

The Cats travel to take on Fremantle in round two, while Richmond host reigning premiers Adelaide at the Swinburne Centre.

AAP