‘Disrespectful’: AFL fans called out for risky tactic to get selfies with players

Footy fans have been called out for “dropping” their phones on the ground in a bid to get photos and videos of AFL players after the game.

Cheeky footy fans have been slammed for an increasingly popular tactic to get selfies with their favourite players.

Players and fans told the Herald Sun they’ve noticed phones being “dropped” on to the field post-game as supporters wait around for autographs and photos.

Fans have been seen tossing their phones, either leaving their camera roll open or recording a video, near players and demanding them to pick it up and take a selfie.

A Collingwood fan’s video went viral two years ago, amassing more than 100,000 views, after ruckman Mason Cox picked up the intentionally dropped phone and posed up with the fan in the background.

A Collingwood fan throws their phone at the feet of ruckman Mason Cox. Picture: TikTok

Mason Cox takes a selfie with fans. Picture: TikTok

While the intentions of fans is clearly innocent, the trend has raised some valid questions about safety and appropriateness, with AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko saying the situation came down to a matter of respect.

He said while footy fans are very passionate about their teams, forcing players to get into photos by throwing their phones at them was the wrong approach.

“It is disrespectful to the players to try and force them into a photo and the best way to do it is simply to ask the player,” Mr Issko said.

“Sometimes players will oblige and sometimes they won’t.”

He said members of an interstate AFL Cheer Squad had the issue raised in a meeting with a representative of the AFL at the end of last season.

“The AFL stated that players have been asked to ignore any phones thrown onto the field and let security deal with it,” he said.

Lawson Humphrie poses with fans after the Cats win over the Bombers at the MCG. Picture: Getty Images

Max Gawn of the Demons is offered a phone by fans. Picture; Getty Images

An AFL spokesman clarified players had not been given any specific direction about what to do in that situation, adding they weren’t obligated to pick the phones up.

It is understood if any phones are on the ground, it is up to security to pass them back.

The AFL spokesman said fan and player interactions post game were one of the best aspects of the sport, but cautioned against throwing a phone just to get a picture.

“The selfies, the high-fives, the autographs, we love to see it,” he said.

“If fans want to throw their phones on the ground that is a risk they undertake in terms of it breaking or being damaged.”

Despite the risk, Collingwood super fan Angie McCarthy said the practice was still “very common” this season.

Sitting on the boundary for most Pies games, even travelling interstate for away fixtures, Ms McCarthy said the practice was always done in “good spirits” and usually in the hope of getting a photo or video for social media.

“It’s definitely done in a nice way, it’s to get player’s attention,” she said.

“I also have seen people do that (throw their phone) to make TikToks.”