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Jack Fitzpatrick says leave the game alone as Toby Nankervis gives ‘BT’ the cold shoulder

JUST how observant were you during Round 18? From a former Hawk’s expletive-laden plea to the AFL to Roaming Brian being denied, Liam Twomey brings you the off-Broadway highlights from the weekend.

LIAM TWOMEY
4 min read
July 23, 2018 - 11:56AM
Toby Nankervis had the “unhappies” on after his side’s win over St Kilda. Pic: AAP
Toby Nankervis had the “unhappies” on after his side’s win over St Kilda. Pic: AAP

JUST how observant were you during Round 18?

We all watched the Tigers put on a Friday night clinic, the Cats and Demons play out a thriller and Collingwood hand North Melbourne a reality check.

But did you also catch a few of the off-Broadway highlights from the weekend?

THE TACKLE: IS BUCKS COACH OF THE YEAR?

MALTHOUSE: WHY MURPH GOT GIG OVER ‘STANDOUT’ SKIPPER

SUPERLADDER: FANTASIA ‘LIKE DE GOEY AND ROBBIE GRAY’

From some fired up ex-players on social media to a Roaming Brian snub and some big calls backfiring, here are 10 things you may have missed in Round 18.

EX-HAWK: ‘F*** YOUR ZONES’

Saturday night’s clash between Geelong and Melbourne will go down as arguably the game of the year.

It also left plenty of footy fans fired up about the state of the game and their desire to leave the rules alone.

One of the most passionate was former Hawk and long-time fan favourite Jack Fitzpatrick, who was very colourful in his take on the proposed changes.

Do you agree with Fitzy?

‘HE’S GOT THE UNHAPPIES ON’

It isn’t just Dustin Martin who can dish out a ‘don’t argue’ at Richmond.

Ruckman Toby Nankervis has proved to be pretty handy at them as well.

But it wasn’t a Saint who was on the receiving end on Friday night, it was none other than Roaming Brian.

BT attempted to speak to the ruckman during his popular post-match segment but Nankervis was having none of it.

“(He) doesn’t want to do it, OK that’s all right. He’s got the unhappies on,” said Taylor.

Get the popcorn ready for the next Roaming Brian after a Tigers win.

LINGY CAN’T HIDE HIS CATS JOY

You can take the boy out of Geelong but you can’t take Geelong out of the boy.

Yes, we are talking about Cameron Ling, who for a second, took off his impartial hat on Saturday night as Zach Tuohy handed the Cats a famous win.

Cameras picked up Ling, who was boundary riding for Channel 7, letting out a sneaky double fist pump as he walked onto the ground to chat to the victorious Cats.

We saw plenty of smiles from the three-time premiership player throughout his career, and the one on Saturday night was just as wide.

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

What a weekend for the Gold Coast.

The win against the Swans is arguably the best in their history and could be a turning point for the club.

But the Suns picked up more than just the four points. They also got a new member.

Prior to the bounce, Twitter user Jack Arandt didn’t give the Suns any chance (and who could blame him), tweeting to the club:

The Suns wasted no time after the match reminding Arandt of his big call.

NOW THAT IS WISHFUL THINKING

Last year we watched exciting Demon Jayden Hunt hit one of the best torpedoes in footy to kick a 70m goal against Adelaide.

His teammate Clayton Oliver must have had that in the back of his mind when he tried to launch his own miracle against the Cats on Saturday night.

There were plenty of Geelong fans who were quick to let Oliver know he was dreaming with his attempt and the star Demon didn’t mind having a chat back to them.

While he missed the shot at goal, Oliver did get his own back, amassing 40 disposals for the first time in his career.

PIES EMBRACING THE STEREOTYPES

Few football supporters are forced to deal with more stereotypes than the Magpie Army.

From wise cracks about lack of teeth to barbs about being one eyed, Pies fans hear it all.

It’s nice to see the club embracing them though, showing off a strong Twitter game with this classic photo from in the rooms before the clash with the Kangaroos.

BARLOW BRINGS HIS OWN FOOTY

Michael Barlow was known for putting together some BIG numbers when he played in the AFL.

While he has struggled to get a game for the Suns this year, he is carrying on that reputation in the NEAFL.

The midfielder enjoyed a day out against the Swans’ reserves, racking up a whopping 50 touches.

Barlow has now had over 40 disposals in five consecutive games but can’t get a look-in for the Suns at senior level.

Will his 50-touch effort change that?

SCOTT’S WILD NIGHT OF EMOTIONS

We are used to seeing a range of emotions from Chris Scott in the coaches’ box.

But in a game that comes down to the last kick, it was always going to be something special on Saturday night.

Scott rode the emotional rollercoaster, going from angry, to dumbfounded to frustrated and finally elated.

Just another day at the office for the Scott boys.

POCKET PROFILE STRIKES AGAIN

Carlton fans have been screaming out for more Harry McKay all season.

As well as being able to watch him play on Sunday, they got a little extra with the young Blue featured in the AFL Record pocket profile where a couple of his answers caught our attention.

My coach often says to me: “You’ll be in the twos this week, Harry”.

Best advice you have received: “It’s a dog eat dog world.”

THAT’S A LONG RUN!

Fox Sports reporter Julian De Stoop has an interesting week coming up.

While on AFL Tonight on Friday, De Stoop declared he would run to Sydney if Swans skipper Josh Kennedy took to the field against the Suns.

Kennedy had suffered a back injury the week before against North Melbourne and a clash with the struggling Gold Coast looked the perfect chance for a rest.

Unfortunately for De Stoop, not only did Kennedy play, he was probably best on ground for the Swans.

According to Google Maps, it is roughly 882km from Melbourne to Sydney. That’s a lot of running.

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Originally published as Jack Fitzpatrick says leave the game alone as Toby Nankervis gives ‘BT’ the cold shoulder

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/jack-fitzpatrick-says-leave-the-game-alone-as-toby-nankervis-gives-bt-the-cold-shoulder/news-story/2d449e3ed51aeb3447ab0fea9f692870