Chris Scott Reacts to Controversial Ollie Dempsey Non-Goal as Geelong Exit Finals
- Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott expressed surprise over a controversial score review in his side's 2026 AFL finals loss, admitting he took out his frustrations on the coaches...
- Early in the third term of the Friday night match, Geelong forward Ollie Dempsey executed a dramatic bicycle kick over his body deep in the goal square, sending...
- Cameras caught Geelong coach Chris Scott reacting angrily in the coaches box after the score review confirmed a minor score instead of a goal, with Nine.com.au reporting the...
Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott expressed surprise over a controversial score review in his side’s 2026 AFL finals loss, admitting he took out his frustrations on the coaches box wall after a stunning bicycle kick goal from Ollie Dempsey was overturned. The incident occurred during Friday night’s semi-final clash against the Fremantle Dockers, shifting momentum in a match that ultimately ended Geelong’s premiership campaign.
The Disallowed Bicycle Kick and ARC Review
Early in the third term of the Friday night match, Geelong forward Ollie Dempsey executed a dramatic bicycle kick over his body deep in the goal square, sending the ball through the major opening in a play contested by Fremantle’s Matt Johnson, according to reporting by Fox Sports. The play was sent to the AFL’s Overturned/Review Centre for a score review under a soft call of touched. According to Fox Sports coverage, replays indicated the ball came off Dempsey’s boot last, but the footage was deemed too tricky to definitively overrule. The ARC ultimately ruled there was insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision, leaving the major as a minor score. Fremantle player Matt Johnson told foxfooty.com.au that he felt Dempsey kicked his arm and that his bicep made contact with the ball first. Fox Footy pundits offered mixed reactions to the broadcasted replays. Anthony Hudson questioned if the ball came off the bicep, while Garry Lyon noted it looked like a bit of boot and could have been a contender for Goal of the Year. A second replay shown minutes later offered a closer, higher-quality zoom that appeared more favourable to the Cats, prompting Lyon to remark on the timing of the better angle.
Chris Scott Reacts in the Coaches Box
Cameras caught Geelong coach Chris Scott reacting angrily in the coaches box after the score review confirmed a minor score instead of a goal, with Nine.com.au reporting the coach punched the wall as his team was eliminated from the premiership race. Speaking post-match, Scott offered a lighthearted explanation for his physical reaction while keeping his broader criticisms measured.
Chris Scott, quoted by afl.com.au Scott added that the moment represented one of several periods where Geelong held momentum but failed to capitalise. When asked directly about the score review by journalists, the Geelong coach declined to litigate the decision heavily immediately following a finals exit.
I think the best thing to do in these moments is not reflect on it at all.
Chris Scott, quoted by Fox Sports Scott also noted that post-game, especially after a loss in a final, is not the time to think clearly about officiating decisions. He suggested that broader questions regarding strange occurrences in the game would be better addressed later in the year during the off-season rather than in September.