Richmond Tigers Noah Cumberland and Noah Balta squander opportunities to beat Fremantle Dockers in epic clash

Richmond forward Noah Balta said he had no idea the umpire had called play on as he lined up for a crucial set shot until he saw Fremantle defenders streaming towards him — one of two opportunities the Tigers squandered in the final moments.

Balta had a chance to put his side a goal ahead with just minutes to go after marking 35 metres out and directly in front of goal.

But he was called to play on after using his full 30 seconds and his hurried kick was run down by Dockers speedster Michael Frederick. Balta was left to punch the ball on to keep the play alive.

Camera Icon Balta’s kick was run down by Michael Frederick. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It was part of a hectic flurry to end the dramatic Friday night contest, with Tiger Noah Cumberland also squandering his own chance to be the hero.

Cumberland marked after the Tigers scrambled a clearance win on the wing — mere seconds before the final.

Concerned about the distance, Cumberland played on to swing onto his left leg, which brought an end to the contest.

“I didn’t (hear the umpire), I just saw a couple of Freo boys just running at me,” Balta told Channel 7.

“Not a clue. Jack Riewoldt told me ‘take your 30’ and then I see these players running at me and I go ‘well I guess it’s play on’.

“Unfortunately, what do you do? It’s the game of footy. It’s why we love the game, we like to play in close games like this.

“Unlucky it’s a draw, but who cares.”

According to Champion Data, Balta was actually given 34 seconds after taking the mark.

Former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin said the players had a fair idea of how long was left before the final stoppage on centre wing.

Camera Icon Cumberland is comforted after the siren. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We didn’t know exactly how long, and you know the clock can churn away pretty quickly,” he said.

“We would have loved for Cumby to go back and have a shot but we back our guys to make the right decisions at the right time and we will learn another lesson.”

Fremantle star Andrew Brayshaw said it was the first draw he’d ever played in.

“That’s my first time. Strange feeling. Went for the win at the end and luckily we probably got away with that one,” he said.