Controversial Calls Impact Victorian Football Finals

Controversies marred two local football finals in Victoria, affecting clubs St Joseph's and Wonthaggi, both of which were denied victories in critical moments.

In the Geelong Football Netball League, St Joseph's faced Bell Park in an elimination final that ended dramatically. Trailing by three points, St Joseph's executed a series of handballs, culminating in Liam Kershaw's run into an open goal. However, the goal umpire ruled it a behind, stating the ball had crossed the line. This decision left St Joseph's with a score of 6.11 (47) against Bell Park's 7.7 (49), securing Bell Park's advancement to a semi-final against Newtown & Chilwell.

In another match within the Gippsland league, a scoreboard error affected the outcome between Wonthaggi and Warragul. The teams were tied at 82 points, but after the final siren, umpires reviewed the scores and determined Wonthaggi had been incorrectly awarded an extra behind. This adjustment resulted in Wonthaggi finishing with 13.3 (81) while Warragul claimed victory with 12.10 (82), allowing Warragul to progress in the finals.