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"Disgraceful": Rayner handed back-to-back goals in bizarre umpiring call
Jaiden Sciberras • September 5th, 2025 10:59 pm
The second Qualifying Final between Geelong and Brisbane has produced the most unprecedented scenes in recent history, with the Cats pinned with two of the most incredible free kicks you will ever see.
Geelong pulled out to a near-match-winning lead, 27 points up with Tyson Stengle preparing to extend the lead to 33 with minutes remaining in the second term.
That was before Cam Rayner was rewarded with a pair of free kicks in the goal square, handed two goals in the most bizarre of circumstances.
Rayner had been incredibly well held by Irishmen Mark O’Connor – so much so that Chris Fagan opted to send Rayner to the goalsquare in attempt to get his star man involved in the front half.
The tussle between the two players carried through the second term before a shove in the back on Rayner sent the Lion flying, with the non-controlling umpire pinning O’Connor for the softest of free kicks in his own defensive square.
Booting the goal, Rayner was promptly shoved by Cat Zach Guthrie, once again falling to the deck rather easily and once again awarded yet another free kick in the goalsquare.
"Extraordinary scenes," Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy.
"I don't think I've seen anything like it. They were soft decisions, those final two to Cam Rayner.
"Three of their goals, to keep them in it, have come from the umpiring."
"Disgraceful," Nathan Buckley continued.
"I'm not a Cats supporter but I was angry. That was ridiculous. It's a final! That was so soft."
Back-to-back goals to cut the lead to just 15 and completely shift momentum. Were either of the free kicks there?
