Another Fremantle star has paid the price for rubbing the head of a rival, nearly four months on from Patrick Voss forcing a mid-season rule change from the AFL to stamp out ‘fake tough guy’ acts.
Voss was forced to apologise to Melbourne’s Harrison Petty after ruffling his hair and making a crybaby gesture earlier this year. Now Dockers defender Luke Ryan has coughed up a free kick for a similar act in Thursday night’s top-of-the-ladder blockbuster against the Sydney Swans.
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Swans star Chad Warner earned a free kick after tackling Ryan inside 50 but his snapped set shot surprisingly fell short, prompting Ryan to hit back.
Ryan laughed in Warner’s face and rubbed his head — with Warner quick to appeal to the umpire, successfully securing a free kick for his side from the top of the goal square.
Warner returned the favour with a laugh and a bump on Ryan.
“This is a huge decision, it’s going to give Sydney a goal,” Alister Nicholson said on Channel 7 as Charlie Curnow duly converted his gift.
Replays showed Ryan clearly targeted Warner before making the decision to rub his rival’s head.
“This rule got brought in because Patrick Voss did it to Harrison Petty earlier in the year, so the AFL brought it in to stop this — and it’s backfired (on Fremantle),” Luke Hodge said.
Asked if he likes the rule, Hodge added: “I can understand why they do (pay the free kick) because it escalates, but giving away a goal for that is a bit harsh.”
Kane Cornes replied: “That’s a no. It’s a no from me (too).”
Brian Taylor also disapproved of the rule.
Curnow’s goal from the free kick helped Sydney take a 2.6 (18) to 0.5 (5) lead into the quarter-time break.
The Swans remained inaccurate in the second term but maintained a 22-point lead at the main break thanks to Fremantle’s shocking night in front of goal.
The Dockers had just 0.11 on the board after Voss, Jye Amiss and Sam Switkowski all missed late set shots.
It is just the third time in Fremantle’s history they have been goalless at half-time.
Mason Cox gave up the chance to score from a set shot of his own when Shai Bolton demanded the ball, only to miss the goals entirely.
“Ridiculous handball receive from Bolton,” Cornes said.
“Why Shai Bolton would demand that handball receive on his left foot — that was a ridiculous decision.”
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was seen slamming his phone onto the desk in the coaches box.
“That’s the reason he’s that angry, that a senior player would demand the footy in that position and kick it straight out,” Cornes said.
A section of fans booed at the half-time siren, while there was also confusion over a free kick paid against Voss as he played out the half with a ripped guernsey.
