THE dubious free kick awarded to North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein was “technically there”, AFL football operations manager Mark Evans says.

With the scores level with less than a minute to play, Goldstein was awarded a free kick when Tom Hickey was ruled to have blocked his run at a ruck contest.

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Goldstein went back and slotted a point from more than 50m out, which just about put the game beyond St Kilda’s reach.

Round 18

Evans said the free kick to Goldstein was “technically” there.

“It does look like he’s impeded to get to the drop of the ball by someone who has taken his eyes off the ball,” Evans said.

“It’s one of those free kicks that is there and is technically there. If it wasn’t paid, I’m not sure we would die in a ditch over it.

“But the free kick was there.”

The Roos went on to boot another goal after the siren to extend the margin to seven points, but it was the Goldstein free kick that proved the turning point in the match.

St Kilda had earlier fought from 26 points behind in the last term to level the scores, but walked away with nothing. Although they might have a reason to feel aggrieved.