Footy fans have accused Collingwood star Nick Daicos of exaggerating after an off-the-ball incident with Western Bulldogs defender Taylor Duryea.
Daicos, 21, was observed holding his jaw after the alleged contact, and when it was revealed that Duryea was reported for striking, AFL figures like Brian Taylor and Matthew Richardson suggested that a fine would be an appropriate penalty.
Video footage circulating online depicts the skillful Magpies midfielder seemingly capitalizing on the contact at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday night.
That was the consensus among fans on social media, who criticized the Collingwood premiership-winner for ‘staging’ in an attempt to earn free kicks.
Radio presenter Brian Peel sarcastically commented in response to the footage, ‘And the Gold Logie goes to.’
Duryea chose not to speak after the game, leading to some awkward moments on Channel 7 as he stood directly in the background in the sheds while commentators Mitch Cleary and Abbey Holmes discussed the clash involving Daicos.
Eventually, Holmes asked Duryea for his thoughts, to which he jokingly responded, ‘I can’t comment, can I?’
The victory was crucial for the Bulldogs, who now occupy 10th place after an impressive team performance, particularly in the final quarter against the typically strong-finishing Magpies, who managed just one point.
“We struggled to contain Nick [Daicos] early in the game, so we adjusted our approach in the third quarter, which worked out fine,” coach Luke Beveridge told reporters.
“I also thought Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar were exceptional for us in the midfield, especially considering their fatigue.”
Inspirational captain Bontempelli led by example with 38 disposals, 10 clearances, and two goals for the Bulldogs.
Following the 18-point loss, defending premiers Collingwood could fall out of the top eight this weekend depending on other results.
