An umpiring error cost Dockers defender Luke Ryan the opportunity to kick a critical goal in the dying stages of Fremantle’s agonising three-point loss to Gold Coast on Sunday, according to Geelong triple premiership player Jimmy Bartel.

Ryan completed a chest mark on the wing with 42 seconds remaining when Suns defender Jordan Murdoch appeared to run through the 10m protected zone, in close pursuit of opponent Travis Colyer.

An infringement which should have earned Ryan a 50m penalty, placing him in range of Fremantle’s goal, according to AFL.com.au’s Access All Areas.

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“That’s the protected zone and (was) missed (by the umpires),” Bartel said.

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“And as you can see on the time clock, 40 seconds to go, Luke Ryan gets inside 50 and he’s having a shot to win the game.

“Now we don’t know whether he kicks it but it gives him the opportunity to win the game for the Dockers.”

Camera Icon Jordan Murdoch runs past Luke Ryan after the Fremantle defender completed a mark. Murdoch ran through the protected zone in pursuit of opponent Travis Colyer.

According to law 16.1.2, players aren’t allowed inside the protected zone unless the umpire calls play on or they’re “accompanying or following within two metres of their opponent”.

Despite the conjecture, Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd was quick to heap praise on the Suns and defender Sam Collins, who was delisted by Fremantle at the end of 2017.

Running back with the flight, Collins (18 disposals, eight marks) hauled in a courageous match-winning pack mark to seal the contest and solidify his place in Gold Coast’s best line-up.

“It’s why he got recruited, he’s an intercept marking king at VFL (level),” Lloyd said.

“He just left (Matt) Taberner at exactly the right time in a big moment.”

Lloyd conceded the Suns - tipped by many to win this year’s wooden spoon - had already exceeded his expectations.

“To be honest, I said during trade period that this could be the worst list since Fitzroy and they’ve now gone within one point of St Kilda and beaten Fremantle.

“They’ve got heart and spirit ... Full credit to (coach Stuart) Dew.”