‘That was out of bounds!’ AFL world stunned as controversy mars ‘goal of the year’ contender

Collingwood, we have a problem.

The reigning premiers are in all sorts of trouble after dropping their third straight game to start the 2024 season.

After a hard-fought opening half, the Pies were torn apart by a far more ferocious St Kilda outfit who claimed the 14.10 (94) to 12.7 (79) victory.

Watch every game of every round this Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

A five goal to one third quarter saw the Saints enter the final term with a 20 point lead, but they weren’t done there.

Two quick goals to start the fourth saw the margin balloon out to 33 points. But just as it looked like the Pies were dead and buried, the reigning premiers found signs of life.

Goals to Jamie Elliott and a Bobby Hill double had it back to 14 points and got fans up and off their seats.

Jack Higgins however then popped up to produce a stunning boundary line goal that all but slammed the door shut on the Pies.

The goal however came under scrutiny with replays appearing to show Higgins had kicked it from beyond the boundary line.

“Higgins was out of bounds, I thought he was out of bounds,” Brian Taylor said on 7’s coverage.

“Long kick is a goal. But I thought he was out, umpire said play on and it’s a goal.”

Cameron Ling echoed the sentiment of Taylor on ABC’s coverage of the round two clash.

“It was an incredible goal, but there’s no question that was out of bounds,” Ling said.

Despite the controversy surrounding the goal, those watching on weren’t having it and celebrated the magic Higgins had just produced.

News Corp’s Tim Michell wrote: “JACK HIGGINS YOU CANNOT DO THAT.”

Journalist Steve Smith wrote: “Goal of the year. Hands down. Incredible.”

The Saints were dealt a crushing blow in the opening term when midfielder Mason Wood was knocked out cold after colliding with teammate Zaine Cordy.

Wood slammed into Cordy in a marking contest and was sent horizontally through the air before crashing down hard on the turf.

The game was brought to a halt moments later as medical staff rushed onto the ground to check on the Saints star.

After a long wait he was loaded onto a stretcher and taken from the field and was subbed out of the contest.

Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor said: “This is shocking what we’re seeing here.”

Wood was taken to hospital halfway through the second quarter.