The AFL needs umpires. Independent arbitrators between ultra-competitive football clubs that uphold and enforce the rules that govern the code. Important as they may be, and forgive me for stating the bleeding obvious, they don't always get it right.
And players don't always respond well when such mis-steps occur.
Here's a stroll down memory lane - a look at five unforgettable run-ins between a player and an officiator.
5. Diesel's biggest gripe
Now in his early 60s, there's one bee in Greg 'Diesel' Williams' bonnet that just won't return to the hive.
Haydn Bunton Snr., Dick Reynolds, Bob Skilton, Ian Stewart. It's one of footy's most exclusive clubs. Three-time 'Charlie' winners as the league's best-and-fairest player.
Williams will never forgive umpire John Russo for costing him his chance at joining such elite company.
In a clash with Melbourne, in 1993, Williams registered 44 disposals and a major, but yielded no Brownlow votes for his role in the 54-point victory.
Explosively, years later, umpire Murray Bird supposedly told Williams that Russo explicitly instructed him not to cast a vote for Williams for his excessive sledging on the day. He would lose that year's count to Gavin Wanganeen by a solitary vote, and has not let it go, even trying to pursue legal action in the hopes of having the award retrospectively awarded to him.
The midfielder would win his second Brownlow the next year, but never claimed the elusive third that would have solidified his position as one of the game's greatest, and the only three-timer to play in the national competition.
A very public off-field spat between a legend of the game and an umpire. A worthy inclusion.
