‘Rubbish’: Adelaide Crows player Mark Keane torn to shreds for flopping

An AFL player has come under heavy fire from footy fans who want the league to slap him with a fine over an “embarrassing” act.

The Adelaide Crows continue to prove they’re the real deal after winning their third straight match to start the 2025 season.

In front of their home crowd the Crows proved too strong for a valiant North Melbourne outfit as they secured the 17.12 (114) to 12.6 (78) victory.

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Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker wound the clock to lead his side with four goals while Rory Laird amassed a team-high 32 disposals in his 250th game.

While it was another joyous day for the Crows and the supporter base, one player drew the ire of footy fans for an ugly act.

Mark Keane found himself in the spotlight late in the fourth quarter after attempting to milk a free kick.

Watch the embarrassing act in the video player above

After giving away a free kick deep inside 50 to North’s Nick Larkey, Keane was seen arguing with the umpire before Jacob Konstanty entered the frame and gave him a little push to the chest.

Keane however attempted to try and get the free kick reversed by acting like he had been shot as his arms flailed in the arm as he fell backwards onto the turf.

The umpire wasn’t buying it, making him get up to stand the mark as Larkey slotted the goal.

Konstanty gives Keane a slight shove.

A sniper snuck into Adelaide Oval.

Fans watching on were quick to savage the Crows defender with almost everyone calling for the league to slap him with a staging fine.

Newswire’s Ronny Lerner wrote on X: “If Ben Hobbs got fined for staging, so should Mark Keane for that rubbish.”

Another added: “Seriously, Mark Keane needs to be fined for staging! That is embarrassing!”

A third wrote: “Fine him. That’s pathetic.”

Fans want Keane hit with a staging fine.

While not on the same level as Keane’s flop, Crows ruckman Reilly O’Brien became a laughing stock on social media after an embarrassing third quarter moment.

Izak Rankine was collected high by North ruckman Tristan Xerri with O’Brien attempting to put his opponent in his place.

It all went horribly wrong for the Crows bigman however as Xerri saw the bump coming and braced for impact before putting his rival on the turf.

O’Brien quickly got back to his feet as he looked to get as far away from the scene as he possibly could.

ROB attempted to bump Xerri.

It didn't go according to plan.

He couldn't get away fast enough.

Despite the two questionable acts, the Crows held off a gusty North Melbourne outfit with their quick ball movement.

The visitors refused to lay down for much of the game, with stars Xerri and Harry Sheezel, forward talisman Nick Larkey, swingman Caleb Daniel and budding star Luke Davies-Uniacke all stamping their print on the contest in the third term to cut a four-goal Crows lead to just two kicks.

It was not enough for the improved Kangaroos however, as Adelaide’s usual suspects stood tall.

Rory Laird was enormous in his 250th game, amassing 32 touches off of halfback, Mitch Hinge provided important run and damaging disposal, while Rankine and Jake Soligo were both key through the midfield but it was champion veteran Walker who took the game by the scruff of the neck.

It was vintage Walker on Sunday. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

First, halfway through the third term, Walker showed strength to beat out North Melbourne defenders, collect a ball on the half volley and set-up Keays with a crafty kick to extend the lead back out to 15 points.

Following two big contested ‘get out of jail’ marks, Walker again stepped up with just two minutes remaining in the third term to outmuscle Xerri in a ruck contest and snap a game-breaking major to put the Crows up by four goals, and the floodgates would then open in the fourth quarter.

The young Roos gave their fans a lot to be happy about and matched the Crows in most statistical categories, but were second in the contest when it mattered most and outdone in contested possessions 138 to 125.

While Adelaide would be feeling positive with three strong wins to begin the season, the club will be sweating the fitness of livewire small forward Josh Rachele, who was subbed off in the second quarter after receiving a Tristan Xerri knee to his ribs.

- with Daniel Renfrey, Newswire

Originally published as ‘Rubbish’: Adelaide Crows player Mark Keane torn to shreds for flopping