I didn't see the game in question, but does an unbalanced free kick count automatically equal biased umpiring?

Replying to Nasher's post 23.

It's important to look into it more thoughtfully and critically.

Of course one can't expect equal frees every match.

BUT, when you consistently see a tendency for the side with no supporters present getting a raw deal, it's worth pointing it out.

Melbourne is greatly affected by this , since our supporters are always outnumbered.

My brother and I were talking about this not too long ago, maybe they should be looking at wiring the umpires with noise cancelation earphones that they can talk to each other and hear the siren but cuts out any possible influence the crowd can have.

Extreme but I reckon it's the only way to ensure fair and balanced umpiring that is based solely on what they see.

It was incredible today in the Haw/Port prelim.

Hawthorn seemed to get every 50:50 decision(plus a few 40:60's.)

Port found out what it's like for Melb in Adelaide.

You've got to hand it to the Hawks supporters. They're past masters at pressuring the umps!

It was incredible today in the Haw/Port prelim.

Hawthorn seemed to get every 50:50 decision(plus a few 40:60's.)

Port found out what it's like for Melb in Adelaide.

You've got to hand it to the Hawks supporters. They're past masters at pressuring the umps!

Agree. Robbie Gray 15 metres out was thrown to the ground with the ball nowhere near him. Richo said it was disgraceful not to get a free. That last holding the ball against Port was pathetic and then straight after Hawks did the same and ball up 40 metres out from Port's goal. The two goals Hawks got from frees were ordianary and got them back in the game in 2nd quarter.

Thought Port got the raw end all night. Stevic was hopeless.

Stevic was not just hopeless he was a disgrace and should be told by the AFL he isn't getting a start next week because of todays performance. He was responsible today for the two soft frees to the Hawks in the second the controlling umpire within 10m of the play in the third when Wingard was grabbed around the shoulder and when Gray was grabbed without the ball. Then to top it off he makes that final decision and says you dived on the ball when the Port player clearly picked the ball up kept his feet and tried to bullock his way through he was grabbed immediately and tackled to the ground with Hodge ending up on his back. Ball up was the right call

Thought the umpires were poor in the Hawthorn Port game. The Friday night crew much better.

Stevic has consistently been the worst umpire in the AFL.

Ever since his first game. And he seems to save his very worst for us.