AFL Grand Final: Umpire Hayden Meyer picked after dramatic end to Hawks-Lions prelim
Two of the umpires at the centre of the dramatic end to Hawthorn’s preliminary final have been selected to officiate the biggest game of the year — as well as an old foe of Zak Butters.
The umpire at the centre of the late preliminary free kick will umpire the grand final.
Hayden Meyer – who paid holding the ball against Hawk Jarman Impey in the dying moments of Saturday nights Lions victory – has been selected to officiate the premiership decider alongside Nick Foot, Brett Rosebury and Brendon Hosking.
This masthead understands the field umpire panel has been confirmed on Tuesday morning with Nathan Williamson the emergency.
It will mark Meyer’s third grand final.
Senior official Rosebury also drew the ire of Hawks fans after paying a deliberate free kick against Mitch Lewis in the dying stages.
Foot’s season has not been without controversy after he was at the centre of a Gather Round furore where it was alleged that then-Port Adelaide star Zak Butters questioned his integrity.
It will be Foot’s second grand final, with Rosebury’s selection his 10th – including the 2010 replay.
The league is set to confirm the remainder of the panel on Wednesday at the MCG.
Originally published as AFL Grand Final: Umpire Hayden Meyer picked after dramatic end to Hawks-Lions prelim