Alex Neal-Bullen gives away free kick that gifts Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage match-winning free kick

Melbourne midfielder Alex Neil-Bullen cost his team a free-kick which he gifted Brisbane the winning goal in an AFL heartstopper on friday night.

With the score level at 80 apiece deep into the final quarter, the 168-man dived over the line deep into his own defensive 50 with ball in hand like a rugby league player in an apparent attempt to force a throw-in to run out the clock.

WATCH ABOVE: Alex Neil-Bullen takes an unforgivable free-kick.

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He was under some pressure from Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage but didn’t get any contact as he forced himself out of bounds.

The Lions players all called for a free-kick with “not enough intent” and the referee was right on the spot to make the easiest decision of the night.

“I don’t think you can argue, I mean he only had one intention there, Neil-Bullen,” Matthew Richardson said of the free-kick.

And luckily for Neal-Bullen, McCluggage came back and kicked the winning goal from the touchline.

Melbourne had a shot at goal moments later after play resumed but missed and the Lions held on for their famous win, keeping their finals hopes alive.

“I thought he was missing to the left and then he just had this tail on him,” McCluggage said after the game.

“We were peppery there in the last quarter and it would have been disappointing if we didn’t get over the line.

“They’re the ones you have to win, those close ones, and we’re building really good form, so I’m excited.”

In what was a strange subplot to the final few moments of the heart-stopping finale, the official clock appeared to stand still as McCluggage lined up to score – after the referee turned back the clock.

Channel 7’s Brian Taylor immediately snapped.

“Look

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