sport news Essendon match-winner Sam Draper rubs salt in the wounds for Adelaide with ... trends now
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Essendon star Sam Draper will be off the Christmas card list for Adelaide supporters after a controversial dive to secure victory - and a post-match celebration to rub salt in the wounds.
The Bombers' hot start to the season continued in a three-point win marred by umpire controversy as Draper dived on a loose ball deep in defence.
For most viewer, the dive was a clear case of holding the ball after Draper held onto the Sherrin for dear life while Crows players desperately tried to dislodge it from his grip.
However the umpire called it ball up, denying Adelaide star Taylor Walker a shot at goal to win the match.
Sam Draper was thrilled to be the hero in the Bombers' narrow three-point win over Adelaide
Draper dived onto the pitch after the siren to re-enact his controversial play in the final minute of the match that proved decisive
The umpires refused to call Draper for holding the ball, denying Crows star Taylor Walker a shot at the match winner
AFL greats were unanimous in saying Adelaide had been stiffed by the late decision.
'He is a fire blanket that literally just put the Crows' season out. This is one of the all-time flops… that was a flat out holding the ball,' Geelong premiership winner Cam Mooney said.
'It was embarrassing, really… There's almost no excuse. That was as blatant as you
