Kane Cornes has slammed Richmond and coach Damien Hardwick for continuing to question the controversial ARC decision in their Elimination Final loss to Brisbane.
The ARC determined there was sufficient evidence to clearly overturn Tom Lynch’s goal late in the game, with Hardwick stating on Tuesday they were still seeking clarification on the call.
Cornes says the Tigers have a history of making excuses and complaining and that this is just the latest example.
“What you’re hearing from the AFL is that they can’t believe the carry-on from Richmond over this and in particular Damien Hardwick as well,” he told SEN’s Whateley.
“The complaints that have come from Richmond over a long period of time is now getting to the point where you are just a flat-out whinger.
“If you look at some of the things he has complained about – they’ve complained about Sydney’s defensive tactics in a 2020 game … complained about dew on the ground, complained about Marvel Stadium, he complained about a VFL player this year and admitted to overstepping the mark, complained about the close contact rule with Sydney Stack during the pandemic, complained about a late umpiring call in the Round 11 game versus Sydney this year and have complained for a week about a goal review.
“The goal review which was the wrong process, but was probably the right call. He probably missed and Tom Lynch’s reaction was reflective of that.”
Cornes speculates that Brendon Gale has been marked down in the race to be the next AFL CEO because of the club’s reputation for complaining.
“Perhaps this is why Brendon Gale isn’t the automatic replacement for Gillon McLachlan as CEO because he hasn’t been able to control Damien Hardwick,” the former Port Adelaide midfielder said.
“This guy has done everything, he’s perfect to take over from Gil, why isn’t he just the automatic CEO of the AFL, well perhaps because he can’t control Hardwick and his constant complaining and petulance really.
“Not a great reflection on Damien and Brendon Gale when you look at the fact that one other tactic could have won them the game – just put someone on Lachie Neale. Give him some respect.
“Maybe one of the five defenders in the goal square, just spoil the ball over the line. Don’t concede 16 goals in a final. I think there’s other areas they should be focusing on, not a goal review.
“It’s now publicly become a big story and the AFL are a bit bemused as to why the carry-on has gone on so long. Of course you’re aggrieved and he spoke about it in his post-match press conference and that was the platform to do that.
“You get the footy manager to get a clarification email from the AFL on Monday, but to still be wanting a detailed explanation a week on when there’s so many areas in that game that cost them, and perhaps Lynch didn’t actually kick the goal, it comes across as petulant.
“It’s a build-up of events over time and I don’t think it’s a good reflection of the football club.”