The AFL memo regarding lost time in GWS v St Kilda clash

The AFL sent an internal memo around explaining the time clock error during the GWS v St Kilda match on Saturday.

More than 30 seconds vanished after a Max Hall goal in the second quarter in the Saints’ four-point win over the Giants at ENGIE Stadium.

Some 33 seconds remained until the half-time break which ticked down to 29 before swiftly ticking down to zero immediately after the ruck throw up.

In a game of inches (and seconds), and with the Giants losing by just four points, they could be forgiven for throwing the toys out of the cot.

But there is an explanation for where the time went - it was simply a software update.

Gerard Whateley explained the situation on Monday morning.

“The fault here is that it’s the new timekeeping software system and there are gremlins in it as every software update has,” he said on SEN's Whateley.

“Our timekeepers are doing the manual stop watch when things go awry. They’re very good at this our timekeepers, always have been.

“So it’s not their issue, it’s a software issue.”

Read the AFL memo below:

“We're in the process of investigating a few clock related issues that we have encountered over the weekend. We're not expecting these issues to be ongoing and believe these incidents are isolated errors that were unforeseen and half expected as the new system is integrated into existing stadium infrastructure and broadcasting equipment.”

Whateley says that explanation is certainly no confidence booster.

“Unforeseen and half expected. That doesn’t fill me with any confidence,” he said.

Tom Morris added: “So they’re using a stop watch on their iPhone?”

Whateley: “No, I reckon like race horse trainers. I reckon they’d have the handheld.”

Morris: “It’s amateur league sometimes, isn’t it.

“These sort of mistakes just shouldn’t happen.”

Whateley: “Yes, although with software updates we all know they come with gremlins. You’d like it to be sorted quickly.

“But this is where we should trust our timekeepers. They know what they’re doing. Regardless of what the computer system does, they have it in hand.

“It’s just an unflattering look.”

Morris: “Surely you should test the software system in the pre-season so it doesn’t happen in the main season.”