Richmond midfielder Jacob Hopper blows up after Peter Wright ‘gifted’ goal during Dreamtime at the ‘GJacob Hopper pleaded and pleaded but was told to go away.
By Harrison Reid
7news
24 May 2025Richmond midfielder Jacob Hopper blew up at an AFL umpire during his side’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash after Essendon big man Peter Wright kicked a crucial goal late in the third quarter.
Wright took full advantage of a forward-50 throw-in when no Richmond player nominated for the ruck, and the boundary umpire gave a shallow throw.
The Bombers key forward, who pinch-hits in the ruck at times, came charging in to grab the ball out of the air unopposed and immediately snapped a goal.
It was a pivotal moment of the quarter that gave Essendon the lead back in a see-sawing battle.
“What happened? Adem Yze will not be able to believe that,” James Brayshaw said.
Walking back to the middle alongside the central umpire, a fuming Hopper pleaded his team’s case, only to be told that no Richmond player nominated, so Wright had to be given a free run at the ball.
“Yeah, yeah, but the throw, the throw, that’s what I’m talking about,” Hopper protested, saying the boundary umpire should have been asked to throw the ball in again.
“The throw was horrific. You can call that back.
“That is horrific. You’ve just given them... it’s a goal. It’s a gift.”
The umpire did his best to diffuse the situation.
“We’ll talk about it,” he said.
“Go back to your group.”
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-midfielder-jacob-hopper-blows-up-after-peter-wright-gifted-goal-during-dreamtime-at-the-g-c-18794340
