Staging commentary 'farcical', says DimmaMitch Cleary
afl.com.au
Jun 17, 2018 7:59PMDAMIEN Hardwick has launched an impassioned defence of Alex Rance and fellow champions' exaggeration of free kicks, describing recent commentary on staging as "farcical."
The Richmond coach called on the targeting of big names to end after a recent spate of players being scrutinised for playing for free kicks, following his side's 18-point win over Geelong on Sunday.
Rance was fined $1000 for diving in a round 10 marking contest before questions were raised last week when he propelled forward after a nudge from Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon.
After Lance Franklin won a free kick for a push in the back on Friday night and Patrick Dangerfield appeared to amplify contact on Sunday, Hardwick said the discussion needed to stop.
"I've over-exaggerated for a free kick, absolutely, and every player within the AFL system has done the same," Hardwick said post-game.
"Unfortunately, they seem to pick on my bloke (Rance), it's what we do, (focus on) champions.
"Buddy Franklin over-exaggerates a free kick (against West Coast), all of a sudden the media are all over him.
"I think it's farcical to be perfectly honest. I sit here and I could find you five from this game.
"That staging rule is not for the over-exaggeration of free kicks. The rule itself would say it is but to me, if I push someone and he falls over that's staging."
Premiership players Wayne Carey and Kane Cornes led the scrutiny of Rance's initial staging incident against Essendon and Hardwick believes focus needs to be placed elsewhere.
"Just let the guys play, pull your (media) heads in I reckon," he said.
"Just talk about the game, stop looking for the sensational headlines that is just ridiculous, I get a bit tired of it to be fair."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-17/staging-commentary-farcical-says-dimma
