Collingwood Football Club’s recent victory over Adelaide has sparked controversy following comments made by players Nick Daicos and coach Craig McRae. Both used profanity in post-match interviews, raising questions regarding the AFL’s response to the use of inappropriate language on live television.
After the game, Daicos was in a playful mood when he was asked about his old man inspiring him before the match. In response, he joked, “Go f***ing win. Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary today reported on a little-noticed comment that has generated a big uproar. It’s particularly striking given that it originated from a player who has managed a squeaky clean image since entering the league.
Cornes said Daicos’ statement was a significant and unusual error from the otherwise unflappable young star. “He has not put a foot wrong since the minute he came into the AFL,” Cornes stated. Along those same lines, McRae was feeling what Daicos was feeling, letting loose with his own F-bomb in the post-match revelry. He expressed gratitude to fans, stating, “We’re so grateful for the ones who have travelled, the ones who are home celebrating now,” while adding, “We love you. We f**king love ya.”
Regardless of this obvious double standard, the AFL has so far failed to act against either Daicos or McRae. It’s shocking to witness this level of silence, particularly when the league has issued numerous fines for far less egregious actions. For example, players have been fined for something as insignificant as flipping the bird. Caroline Wilson criticized this inconsistency, saying, “Since when did it become acceptable to use the F-word on national television after a primetime footy broadcast?” She mentioned that the majority of people at the AFL she talked to today were just hearing about the incident. This, in turn, sheds light on a great deal of ignorance about the state of affairs.
Nick Riewoldt highlighted the inconsistency in the AFL’s enforcement of its policies, questioning, “If we’re fining people for giving the bird … like it’s probably in the same ballpark isn’t it?” Tony’s frustration, it would seem, is indicative of a much louder chorus, which laments the league’s failure to appropriately address players’ acts of foul language and domestic violence.
Mabior Chol made headlines for dropping an f-bomb on live TV three times in one post-game field interview. This event coincided with Hawthorn’s win over the GWS Giants the following evening. These incidents are mounting, raising even more questions. How will the AFL address player conduct issues in a more proactive manner moving forward?
