The AFL's most revered umpire Matt Stevic suffered a painful case of deja vu as a 50m penalty controversy unfolded at the MCG on Saturday night.

Stevic was involved in a similar incident in 2013, which some in the umpiring fraternity are adamant cost him a berth in the Grand Final that year.

On Saturday night, Stevic could be heard calling "play ... play" in the Hawthorn-Carlton clash, leading to Blue Adam Cerra coming off his mark assuming it was play-on. Hawk Jack Ginnivan received the 50m penalty.

In the Fox commentary box, Jack Riewoldt went as far as calling it a "disgrace".

Stevic is a respected, elite umpire. This latest incident underlines the cruel nature of a business that is scrutinised like never before.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Matt Stevic, AFL Field Umpire in action in his 500th game during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Melbourne Demons and the GWS Giants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Matt Stevic, AFL Field Umpire in action in his 500th game during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Melbourne Demons and the GWS Giants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

In a bizarre twist, Zero Hanger understands Stevic addressed the 2013 incident in a talk with VAFA umpires just last Thursday.

Two days later, it unfolded again, to the extent where his chances of umpiring in the Grand Final this year could be in jeopardy.

So what happened back in 2013? It was a big deal because the moment had serious fallout.

Loading matchup…

In the opening minutes of a final round Essendon-Carlton clash at the MCG, after a call of "touched, play on" Stevic paid a 50m penalty after a Carlton's Andrew McInnes tackled Stewart Crameri to the ground assuming it was play on.

Crameri goaled, allowing the Bombers to get away to a quick start. The Bombers won the game by six points.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse did not quickly forgive, reminding Stevic in the opening rounds of 2014 about the decision.

Stevic was a visitor in the Blues rooms and the conversation was extremely animated.

At the time, it was reported witnesses confirmed Stevic admitted he had made the wrong call on the McInnes tackle and that it had, in fact, cost him a gig umpiring the 2013 Grand Final.

Stevic has umpired 509 games and 12 Grand Finals.

It is a brutal business. It remains to be seen if Saturday night's mis-step leads to him missing Grand Final No.13, but history is not in his favour.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION