Kennelly wants AFL extra-time, video use
Sydney defender Tadhg Kennelly believes the AFL should break with tradition and introduce a video umpire or extra time following the Swans' controversial draw with North Melbourne at the Telstra Dome.
Sydney co-captain Brett Kirk began celebrating what would have been the winning goal with his left-foot snap with just over one minute left, before the goal umpire ruled it had been touched by `Roos defender Michael Firrito.
The goal umpire was in a good position, but Firrito jumped from just inside the goal line and was leaning well back when he made contact with the ball, with Swans fans behind the goal celebrating wildly before the umpire signalled a behind.
It proved to be the last score of the game, with Sydney kicking 8.16 (64) to the Kangaroos' 9.10 (64).
Irishman Kennelly feels technology should be used to ensure there is no dispute about results.
"We were talking about it after the game and I suppose a video ref would be great," he said at a recovery session at Sydney's Clovelly Beach.
"It would give you the right decision really.
"But I don't know, it's something the AFL might think will waste a lot of time, waiting for a decision like that, but if it's the difference between winning and losing a game it would be good."
The two points left Sydney in fifth position ahead of Sunday's clash with the unbeaten Western Bulldogs at the SCG.
As well as embracing technology, which is used in rugby league and cricket, Kennelly also believes extra time should be adopted for home-and-away matches.
"We were talking about extra time as well, I'd prefer to have five minutes either way," he said.
"The way we were playing we were really coming over the top of them and they were a man down (after Aaron Edwards broke his leg).
"There's different scenarios but I'd definitely like to see the video review in because it's the matter of winning an extra two points that could cost us in August or September."
The incident has overshadowed the glaring inadequacies of a Sydney forward line that wasted repeated opportunities to steal the victory.
The red and whites are struggling to overcome the loss of Barry Hall, kicking just one goal in the second term and two in the third after a strong start.
They do have the AFL's best defensive record in 2008, but Kennelly admits the forward line has to improve against a Bulldogs outfit he calls the most improved in the league.
"We probably need someone like (Michael O'Loughlin) or Ryan O'Keefe to take over the forward line and say 'look, this is my forward line, this is the structure we're going to do'," he said.
"We definitely miss Hally. Even if he was there and he didn't kick a couple of goals, he still would've made a contest and helped the basic structure."
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