Collingwood coach Craig McRae has launched a scathing attack on the AFL's video review system, demanding the league adopt superior camera technology after a contentious decision in Friday night's 13.11 (89) to 12.13 (85) victory over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Questionable call on Lipinski's potential goal
In the final quarter, Magpies wingman Patrick Lipinski kicked towards goal, with North Melbourne's Cam Zurhaar appearing to touch the ball. The goal umpire signalled a behind, triggering a review by the AFL Review Centre (ARC). After examining multiple replays, the ARC ruled there was "insufficient evidence to determine if the ball is touched before or after crossing the back of the goal line", upholding the behind call.
McRae expressed strong frustration with the technology, stating, "I've got a strong opinion. I don't often share it, but the technology is not up to scratch." He claimed to have seen superior technology elsewhere, adding, "I know that because I've seen technology out there that's way better than what we're using, and the AFL have seen it too."
McRae calls for frame-by-frame capability
The Collingwood mentor criticised the system for missing critical frames. "It misses a frame. It probably looked like it was touched, but insufficient evidence, we've got technology that's there to be used. Not sure why the AFL are resisting using it," he said. McRae referenced a private company with frame-by-frame capability, noting, "Now that's only one version, I'm sure there's more."
He highlighted the high stakes involved: "This is a pretty amazing, tight competition, with big stakes and grand finals decided by inconclusive footage. Not sure that's the world we want to live in in 2026."
AFL's cost concerns and Collingwood's benefit
The AFL has previously cited cost as a barrier to upgrading technology, noting that every venue hosting AFL matches, including rarely used grounds, would need upgrades. However, McRae argued the investment is necessary for fairness.
Ironically, Collingwood benefited from an ARC decision in the third quarter when Harry Perryman's touch denied North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel a crucial goal. Despite this, McRae's criticism remained focused on the system's inadequacies.
