Sirengate (2006): The AFL Match That Ended After the Final Siren
The game ended with scores tied. The final siren did not sound properly. The league then awarded the win to the losing team.
Incident Overview
On April 30, 2006, an Australian Football League match between St Kilda and Fremantle at York Park in Launceston ended in controversy after the final siren was not properly sounded. The incident became known as "Sirengate."
Key Events
The game ended with scores tied at 94–94 after a series of post-siren events, including a free kick to St Kilda's Steven Baker, who kicked a behind.
Fremantle players and coach Chris Connolly argued that the siren had sounded before Baker's initial kick, which should have ended the game.
The AFL Commission reviewed the incident and determined that the timekeeper had not sounded the siren long enough for the umpires to hear it, and that play should have ended before Baker's behind.
The Commission awarded Fremantle the win, giving them four competition points.
Decision and Reaction
St Kilda president Rod Butterss expressed concern that the decision would create uncertainty in the game.
The result affected the final ladder: St Kilda finished sixth instead of third, and Fremantle finished third instead of possibly fourth. Fremantle won their first final that season and reached a preliminary final.
Historical Context
Similar controversy occurred in the 1980 VFL night grand final between North Melbourne and Collingwood, where North Melbourne's Kerry Good took a mark after the siren and kicked the winning goal. Collingwood's protest was not upheld.
The incident led the AFL to invest in a new siren system to prevent recurrence.
Statements
Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle captain): Recalled the chaotic post-game scenes and said his team felt vindicated after the decision.
Steven Baker (St Kilda player): Described missing the post-siren shot as nearly worse than losing a grand final, and noted that his teammates were supportive.
Football historian Francis Doherty: Considered the AFL's decision probably correct but acknowledged the impact on St Kilda's season.