Hug crying umpire. Dumb decision left Essendon leading (6)

I believe the answer is:

cuddle

'hug' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'crying umpire dumb decision left essendon leading' is the wordplay.
'leading' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letters of 'crying umpire dumb decision left essendon' is 'CUDDLE'.

(Other definitions for cuddle that I've seen before include "Hold close, caress" , "Hold closely and lovingly" , "Hug, embrace, fondle" , "Close, affectionate embrace" , "Group (of ships) travelling together" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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