Melbourne great Garry Lyon admits his former club benefited from some favourable umpiring decisions against North Melbourne.
The Demons won the free kick count 25-18 in Saturday’s 47-point win over the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium, as the reigning premiers eventually shook off the lowly Roos thanks to a four-goal-to-zero final quarter.
While Melbourne’s quality shone through in the end, recording 40 more inside 50s, Lyon says the Dees got the rub of the green from the officials.
The Demons had eight shots at goal in the first half that came directly from either 50 metre penalties or free kicks.
“I watched Melbourne-North Melbourne, not many went to the game to watch it, I don’t know how many people watched it on television,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“North Melbourne’s effort was so much better than what they’ve had in recent times.
“Melbourne got the greatest run from the umpires I have seen for a long, long, long time. Jeez they had a good run.
“I just want to put it out there.”
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North Melbourne coach David Noble was unhappy with the umpiring after the game.
Noble said he will be seeking clarification from the AFL about Tarryn Thomas’ tackle on Ed Langdon that resulted in a free kick to the Melbourne wingman.
“It’s one of those ones that’s difficult to balance, isn’t it? I’m not sure of the interpretation, it was front on, I get the dangerous essence of tackles,” he told reporters post-match.
“From my side of things, I probably thought it was an OK tackle, I was pretty happy with it.
“I just think we have to be careful, and I think there’s a balance on both sides. But I’m probably making a phone call on that one and a few others this week.”
The 17th-placed Kangaroos slipped to 1-9 with only West Coast below them on the AFL ladder.
North next face fifth-placed St Kilda (7-3) at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.