‘We are better than this’: AFL players need to take a stand against taunting, says ex-Saint Nick Riewoldt
Players are united in every facet, except one. They have pulled together on pay conditions, sharing planes, living in the same resorts and taking a knee. So why do they mock each other on game day? Nick Riewoldt says it has to stop.
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A virus has slowly crept into our game. We’ve all seen it.
It’s the act of rubbing an opponent’s head, or pushing him and getting in his face after he’s made a mistake or been beaten in a contest.
It’s usually done with a mocking smile and is not to be confused with flying the flag for a teammate.
It used to be reserved exclusively for those from the opposition who drove us wild. The nigglers. The pests.
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But, lately, it’s become fashionable.
More and more of the boys are joining in.
For all the talk about “ugly footy” this year, this behaviour might be the most unattractive part of our game.
After canvassing a few of the big dogs among the playing group, there’s a common feeling that they would love to see this behaviour wound back.
Why do players feel compelled to do it?
Some do it to agitate an opponent and to provoke a reaction and ensuing free-kick – or a 50-metre penalty – while others simply think that’s the way of the world.
But surely when they see themselves on a replay they cringe?
Any player who has played the game long enough has moments that they would regret – sledging opponents, overstepping the mark physically, or even engaging in sportsmanship that would be considered questionable at best.
I know I do.
And as a captain of a team there were certain occasions that I wished I had pulled up teammates as well.
What makes this recent trend even more surprising is that the playing fraternity has never been tighter.
They’re as friendly as they’ve even been off the field.
And with that comes a level of theatre on field that is great for the game – Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall’s byplay last year was a classic example.
The players have also presented a united front on a myriad of issues this year.
They collectively pressed the AFL regarding COVID-19 induced pay cuts.
They’ve shared charter flights with other teams.
They are presently sharing hotel facilities.
And, very significantly, they took a knee together prior to early season games in solidarity with their Indigenous brothers.
So why then, given such a high level of mutual respect among the players, resort to behaviour that can only be described as taunting once the ball is bounced?
Maybe the issue is a lack of fear or retribution.
As a kid, I recall watching some incredible footy highlight packages on VHS — the
Sensational ‘70s and Electrifying ‘80s.
I remember one passage in particular: Robbie Muir getting rubbed on the head by an opponent. He turns around and goes BANG!
Players need not worry about that type of retaliation these days, and nor should they.
But a lack of retribution has led to more of the “head rubbing”.
It’s not clever and it’s not brave. It’s false toughness.
In an era where Tom Hawkins cops a one-week suspension – later reduced to a fine – for an ill-placed elbow because it was a bad look, perhaps it’s time for the players to unite once again and say: “We’re better than this, enough with the head rubbing”.
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