Dimma's presser today:
VIDEO:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2018-06-05/hardwick-previews-port-adelaide--------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardwick filthy over Rance staging reactionJennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
Jun 5, 2018 2:59PMDAMIEN Hardwick has fired back at those who criticised Alex Rance for staging on Saturday night, and has demanded there be consistency in umpiring incidents like it.
Rance was fined $1000 for staging for a free kick in the third quarter of the Tigers' win over Essendon, which prompted plenty of commentary on Sunday and Monday.
Kane Cornes called it "the worst free kick of the year" and called for Rance to be sanctioned, while Wayne Carey told Triple M it "puts a stain on his career".
Hardwick launched a spirited defence of Rance on Tuesday, essentially saying people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
"We're always trying to bring a champion down and that's what I thought this was," Hardwick said.
"As long as we've set the standard now, I'll find five of those free kicks a game that are over-exaggerated free kicks.
"I was really disappointed in the commentary. He's a champion of the game and I don't think we need to be saying it's a stain on his career.
"I found that really disappointing, and I think there will be a lot of people embarrassed by the commentary if we go back and look at their career."
When pressed on the comments by Cornes, Hardwick paused before responding; "I'm going to leave my comments as it is."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-05/hardwick-filthy-on-rance-staging-reaction
