Brisbane coach Chris Fagan was involved in a heated exchange with veteran AFL.com.au journalist Michael Whiting following his side’s shock loss to Essendon on Sunday, Damian Barrett reported on Monday night.
Fagan’s side experienced its first defeat at the Gabba since last year’s semi-final loss to the Dogs, making it their fourth loss from their last seven matches overall.
According to Barrett, Fagan took umbrage at Whiting’s match report, more specifically where he described Brisbane’s efforts as "sub-par" for much of the day.
"There was certainly a tense moment," Barrett said on Nine's Footy Classified.
"It's the reference to the "sub-par for much of the day" which was made aware to Chris Fagan prior to the press conference happening.
"They certainly came together, they were in very, very close proximity.
"There's varying events. Chris Fagan is saying it didn't get physical - it's certain they got very close, his space was invaded, to use that terminology.
"I think time over again Chris wouldn't have done what he did. He has, according to a conversation I had with him today, apologised for whatever happened to Michael Whiting, who is one of the very good journalists in the country.
"What it shows to me is they don't like us talking about the five losses out of the six finals he has coached. They don't like that. That is a statement of fact.
"They also wouldn't like the fact that they've lost four out of their last seven now."
Joining the conversation, Essendon great Matthew Lloyd believes Fagan’s response shows how “uptight” he is, saying his side has other things to worry about rather than a comment made by a journalist.
"If you're blowing up over something like that, it just shows how uptight he is," he said.
"They had one of the toughest weeks they could have with losing countless players and then losing to the Bombers, but if you're so concerned about a line from a journalist ... you've got so many more other things to be worried about."
Brisbane will next face the GWS Giants at Manuka Oval on Saturday afternoon.