More than four decades on, Rod Austin maintains he was dudded, and was happy to set the record straight.
The man affectionately known as ‘Curly' recalls the day he copped it from the Carlton faithful for missing a shot at goal that spoiled the Blues' incredible run of 14 goals straight from the start of the match in round 11, 1984, against Footscray at Princes Park.
“That's the only time they booed me,” Austin said.
“But the booing was good-natured and not nasty. I had a great relationship with Carlton supporters.”
Curly was adamant if sophisticated modern-day technology was available in those days, the decision would have been overturned.
“It should've been 15 straight,” he declared.
Playing on Stephen ‘Super' Macpherson, Austin found himself in attack as the Blues feasted on the Bulldogs in the second quarter.
Kicking towards the Garton St (eastern end) goals from the left forward pocket, he believes his shot from about 35-40 metres just before half-time curled in for a goal, but not according to the goal umpire who adjudged it was a behind.
Austin, who played most of his 220 games with the Blues as a close-checking defender, was not renowned for goalkicking with his unconventional kicking style.
He booted 20 goals, with his highest return in a season being eight in 1975 before being stationed permanently in the backline.
But he pointed out with pride that he averaged more goals over his career (one in every 11 games) than his decorated defensive teammate and great friend Bruce Doull (one goal in every 16 games).
The Blues went into the main break against the Bulldogs on 14.2 and despite scoring more behinds than goals in the second half (8.9), they recorded a comfortable 34-point win.
Acting Carlton captain Ken Hunter, playing as a key forward, had a day out to boot 8.2 and at the other end fellow Sandgroper Simon Beasley kicked 6.2 for Footscray.
The match was also memorable as it marked the senior debut of future Carlton Hall of Famer and dual premiership star Peter Dean.
Starting on the bench, Dean came on early and played at centre half-forward, steering through two goals on debut.
Dean's son Harry has continued the family connection with the Blues this year, and Austin has been impressed with the promising key defender's performances in his debut season.
“Harry Dean has had a really strong and consistent start to his AFL career with indications that he will have a long and successful career in front of him,” Austin said. “Playing a key defensive role makes his early achievements even more remarkable.
“It would not come as a surprise to those football supporters who followed the career of his father, Peter, that he has adapted to the AFL so well.”
