The Tigers don’t get many frees because they usually play on when they get them. Think about it.
The umpire sees a free kick. He moves his whistle towards his mouth but doesn’t blow it yet. This prompts the camera to focus directly on him. He pauses for dramatic effect, bends forward, begins to move his arms in a swiping motion, his hands adding little flourishes to his moves. Everything is in slow motion to maximise his TV time, every disco move enhances his cameo. The crowd noise crescendoes with excitement that is almost too hard to contain.
He blows the whistle. Remember he is miked up. Now he has a speaking part. “Insufficient attempt to move the ball on, Dusty. Not enough intent to keep the ball in play, Grimesy. That’s a high tackle on Joel Selwood, Toby. Toby, it’s a high tackle. Give the ball back right now.
Here’s the mark. STAND!!!!!!!! Pause for dramatic effect again. Play on…..”
Occasionally, the umpire sees a free kick to Richmond. As he moves his whistle towards his mouth, he knows he has to start blowing it or the moment will be gone forever.
Meanwhile Dusty breaks the tackle and handpasses to Lambert, he taps it to Shedda, he runs into it and knocks it forward with his hip towards George, he fumbles it, picks it up, fumbles it again, picks it up again, handpasses to Jack in the goal –square, goal Richmond. Six defenders are lying on the ground.
Not much of a TV moment for the poor old umpire there. What a waste of a fresh haircut and $10 of pomade that was!
Let me ask the question. Why would he give Richmond a free?
