The AFL has concluded its investigation into a timekeeping error during Saturday night's match between Sydney and Collingwood, confirming that the siren was blown 14 seconds early. The league has stood down the two timekeepers involved.
The error occurred when the timekeepers failed to register a signal from umpire Stuart Wenn to stop the clock. The premature siren sounded while Swans player Amon Buchanan held the ball deep in Collingwood's forward line, potentially costing the Magpies a chance to score. Collingwood lost the match by one point.
Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse had complained that the siren was blown 20 seconds too early. The AFL's Umpiring Department ruled the match was shortened by 14 seconds. The timekeepers, who have been with the league for five and six years respectively, will be retained on the panel.
Earlier, Sydney coach Paul Roos questioned the consistency of time allowed for forwards to dispose of the ball compared to other players. He agreed with Malthouse that the timekeepers made a mistake but defended Buchanan's right to hold the ball. Roos also suggested the AFL should consider reducing the time taken for set shots at goal.
