‘You blokes killed me with that!': Hardwick flips bird, thrown under the bus
Late in his side's seven-point loss to GWS at ENGIE Stadium, Hardwick was left perplexed by a late non-call that prevented his brigade a final charge to save the game.
The Suns mentor on Monday night was probed for his thoughts on a range of curious incidents from the tight Expansion Cup battle.
With Hardwick and Richmond coach Adem Yze at the desk, AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley began: 'It was a curious day for umpiring, Damien. There were three different incidents—'
But before he could finish his sentence, Hardwick jovially interrupted: 'Was it, Gerard?! Was it?!'
Once the panel got their laughs out, Whateley asked Hardwick for his thoughts on the non-call on GWS' Jake Stringer for insufficient intent in the dying stages of the game — with Stringer appearing to bomb the ball long to the boundary line as the Giants sought to protect their late lead.
However, curiously, a boundary throw-in was the call.
Watch Dimma flip the bird in the video above
Hardwick said: 'I love Nathan Williamson, the umpire that made the decision, but I thought 'oh, good, we're going to have one last crack at it', and then when he called the boundary throw-in, I was like 'what?! What?!''
Then, vision of the coaches' box reaction was shown, and Hardwick quickly realised what was coming as the panel descended into more laughter.
'Anyway, oh, look ... I hope you (aren't)— oh, no. Oh, you have too! You blokes, you've killed me with that,' an embarrassed Hardwick laughed as vision showed him giving the middle finger in reaction to the non-call.
'Oh, it was one of those ones — and look, it should have been insufficient intent, we know that, I think. But at the end of the day, the game was dead and buried, so we move on pretty quickly.
'Although, the (middle) finger salute might get me in a bit of trouble, you blokes.'
Dear Andrew,
I’m Sorry
Kind Regards https://t.co/mthgE3jJrf
— Damien Hardwick (@hardwick_damien) June 23, 2025
Earlier in the game, Sam Flanders had taken a mark inside 50, only for the adjudicating umpire to change his call from a mark to a ball-up after an assisting umpire informed him the ball had been touched.
An umpire could be heard on the mic saying: 'Rob, Rob, it was touched. Ball it up, mate.'
The adjudicating umpire blew his whistle for play to stop, but Flanders had already kicked the ball.
Hardwick said: 'Well, yeah, I suppose it is (the right call), but once again, we have out-of-zone umpires making the calls, and they can change it.
'I'm fine with that, it was just one of those where we didn't really know what was going on up in the coaches' box, and then they called the ball-up.
'Looking at the replay, it's obviously touched. I'm happy with it, as long as it doesn't happen all the time.
'But the challenge is going to be, at some stage, there'll be one where it is in the 20 per cent, and we'll make a big deal of it. But that one, for me, was fine.'
Also on Sunday, Mac Andrew was pinged for a 50-metre penalty while standing the mark as GWS' Jesse Hogan lined up for goal.
Someone could be heard on the umpires' mic calling 'play on', prompting Andrew to step off his mark — but it turned out it wasn't an umpire who said it, but instead teammate Ben Ainsworth. The penalty took Hogan to the goalsquare for an easy goal.
Hardwick said: 'Look, you've just got to play to the game, from my point of view. So, it's not a big deal. I don't know if it was Ainsworth or Connor Budarick, but we have a meat tray for every 50 that is given against — I'm pretty sure Mac will be splitting that one with someone else.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Coach weighs in as AFL grants Crows' wish over slur ban
Adelaide and Izak Rankine remain in discussions with the AFL over his pending ban for a homophobic slur, as a rival coach says the star Crow should not be demonised for his mistake. The AFL on Wednesday granted the Crows' request for additional time to respond to the league's proposed sanction, which reportedly includes a five-match ban that would end Rankine's season. Talks between Adelaide's hierarchy and the AFL will now stretch into a fifth day. Rankine is set to be the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a homophobic remark to an opponent in the past 16 months. The 25-year-old is facing a ban after admitting making a homophobic slur to a Collingwood opponent during Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. Rankine apologised to the unnamed Magpie player on Sunday as the AFL's integrity unit launched an investigation. Collingwood coach Craig McRae, asked on Wednesday if his player involved was OK, replied: "Yeah, I think so. "We had a good chat over the weekend and then again Monday morning just to check in, it's about making sure our players are safe. "But I don't want to demonise Izak either. "Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and the young lad seems like a really respectful young man and he's made an error. "The AFL will take their own course on that, but you're allowed to make mistakes too." Rankine risks being suspended for the entire finals campaign of ladder-leading Adelaide, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Crows have one home-and-away game remaining and are then assured of hosting two finals. Rankine didn't train with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon as Adelaide postponed a scheduled media conference with coach Matthew Nicks until Friday. Approached by reporters at training, Nicks said Rankine is "doing all right" with support from the club. Nicks admitted the intense spotlight in recent days had been a distraction for the Crows ahead of their clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. "But no, we're locked in on what we're doing this weekend," Nicks said. "We just put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it's going to be tough from here. "But we'll work our way through it." Last month West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for four games for making a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three games, then the following month Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, both for homophobic slurs. Finlayson was banned for a comment to an Essendon player in last year's Gather Round. Bombers coach Brad Scott said that followed an incident in the 2024 pre-season when an Essendon player made a remark that was picked up on a recording of the team meeting. "The player, they thought it was an innocent comment," Scott told reporters on Wednesday. "It was picked up on the microphone, I addressed it then and there, because ... if you make a comment like that and it's picked up on-field by an umpire's mic, there'll be severe ramifications. "Clearly I couldn't foresee what was going to happen in Gather Round and in subsequent suspensions for those things." Scott again addressed such slurs with his players after Finlayson's ban. "It's disappointing it keeps happening, but we have got to keep educating," he said. "I have a high level of confidence that we don't have a homophobia issue in our game, we have just got a lack of education issue. "And players who, in moments of frustration, use words that they really don't understand the ramifications of the words they're using, but now they do, so there's no excuse." Two VFL players have also recently been banned for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Sydney defender Riak Andrew last month was suspended for five matches for an anti-gay slur while playing for the Swans' reserves team against North Melbourne. And in July last year, St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six games for homophobic comments while playing in the VFL for Sandringham against Williamstown. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 Adelaide and Izak Rankine remain in discussions with the AFL over his pending ban for a homophobic slur, as a rival coach says the star Crow should not be demonised for his mistake. The AFL on Wednesday granted the Crows' request for additional time to respond to the league's proposed sanction, which reportedly includes a five-match ban that would end Rankine's season. Talks between Adelaide's hierarchy and the AFL will now stretch into a fifth day. Rankine is set to be the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a homophobic remark to an opponent in the past 16 months. The 25-year-old is facing a ban after admitting making a homophobic slur to a Collingwood opponent during Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. Rankine apologised to the unnamed Magpie player on Sunday as the AFL's integrity unit launched an investigation. Collingwood coach Craig McRae, asked on Wednesday if his player involved was OK, replied: "Yeah, I think so. "We had a good chat over the weekend and then again Monday morning just to check in, it's about making sure our players are safe. "But I don't want to demonise Izak either. "Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and the young lad seems like a really respectful young man and he's made an error. "The AFL will take their own course on that, but you're allowed to make mistakes too." Rankine risks being suspended for the entire finals campaign of ladder-leading Adelaide, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Crows have one home-and-away game remaining and are then assured of hosting two finals. Rankine didn't train with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon as Adelaide postponed a scheduled media conference with coach Matthew Nicks until Friday. Approached by reporters at training, Nicks said Rankine is "doing all right" with support from the club. Nicks admitted the intense spotlight in recent days had been a distraction for the Crows ahead of their clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. "But no, we're locked in on what we're doing this weekend," Nicks said. "We just put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it's going to be tough from here. "But we'll work our way through it." Last month West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for four games for making a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three games, then the following month Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, both for homophobic slurs. Finlayson was banned for a comment to an Essendon player in last year's Gather Round. Bombers coach Brad Scott said that followed an incident in the 2024 pre-season when an Essendon player made a remark that was picked up on a recording of the team meeting. "The player, they thought it was an innocent comment," Scott told reporters on Wednesday. "It was picked up on the microphone, I addressed it then and there, because ... if you make a comment like that and it's picked up on-field by an umpire's mic, there'll be severe ramifications. "Clearly I couldn't foresee what was going to happen in Gather Round and in subsequent suspensions for those things." Scott again addressed such slurs with his players after Finlayson's ban. "It's disappointing it keeps happening, but we have got to keep educating," he said. "I have a high level of confidence that we don't have a homophobia issue in our game, we have just got a lack of education issue. "And players who, in moments of frustration, use words that they really don't understand the ramifications of the words they're using, but now they do, so there's no excuse." Two VFL players have also recently been banned for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Sydney defender Riak Andrew last month was suspended for five matches for an anti-gay slur while playing for the Swans' reserves team against North Melbourne. And in July last year, St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six games for homophobic comments while playing in the VFL for Sandringham against Williamstown. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 Adelaide and Izak Rankine remain in discussions with the AFL over his pending ban for a homophobic slur, as a rival coach says the star Crow should not be demonised for his mistake. The AFL on Wednesday granted the Crows' request for additional time to respond to the league's proposed sanction, which reportedly includes a five-match ban that would end Rankine's season. Talks between Adelaide's hierarchy and the AFL will now stretch into a fifth day. Rankine is set to be the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a homophobic remark to an opponent in the past 16 months. The 25-year-old is facing a ban after admitting making a homophobic slur to a Collingwood opponent during Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. Rankine apologised to the unnamed Magpie player on Sunday as the AFL's integrity unit launched an investigation. Collingwood coach Craig McRae, asked on Wednesday if his player involved was OK, replied: "Yeah, I think so. "We had a good chat over the weekend and then again Monday morning just to check in, it's about making sure our players are safe. "But I don't want to demonise Izak either. "Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and the young lad seems like a really respectful young man and he's made an error. "The AFL will take their own course on that, but you're allowed to make mistakes too." Rankine risks being suspended for the entire finals campaign of ladder-leading Adelaide, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Crows have one home-and-away game remaining and are then assured of hosting two finals. Rankine didn't train with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon as Adelaide postponed a scheduled media conference with coach Matthew Nicks until Friday. Approached by reporters at training, Nicks said Rankine is "doing all right" with support from the club. Nicks admitted the intense spotlight in recent days had been a distraction for the Crows ahead of their clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. "But no, we're locked in on what we're doing this weekend," Nicks said. "We just put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it's going to be tough from here. "But we'll work our way through it." Last month West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for four games for making a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three games, then the following month Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, both for homophobic slurs. Finlayson was banned for a comment to an Essendon player in last year's Gather Round. Bombers coach Brad Scott said that followed an incident in the 2024 pre-season when an Essendon player made a remark that was picked up on a recording of the team meeting. "The player, they thought it was an innocent comment," Scott told reporters on Wednesday. "It was picked up on the microphone, I addressed it then and there, because ... if you make a comment like that and it's picked up on-field by an umpire's mic, there'll be severe ramifications. "Clearly I couldn't foresee what was going to happen in Gather Round and in subsequent suspensions for those things." Scott again addressed such slurs with his players after Finlayson's ban. "It's disappointing it keeps happening, but we have got to keep educating," he said. "I have a high level of confidence that we don't have a homophobia issue in our game, we have just got a lack of education issue. "And players who, in moments of frustration, use words that they really don't understand the ramifications of the words they're using, but now they do, so there's no excuse." Two VFL players have also recently been banned for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Sydney defender Riak Andrew last month was suspended for five matches for an anti-gay slur while playing for the Swans' reserves team against North Melbourne. And in July last year, St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six games for homophobic comments while playing in the VFL for Sandringham against Williamstown. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Adelaide Crows point to AFL double standards as Snoop Dogg gets dragged into Izak Rankine saga
As the AFL grants the Adelaide Crows additional time to respond to its proposed 'determinations' on the Izak Rankine slur saga, new details have emerged about the Crows' bid to free their player. Although he's not officially part their final submission, US rapper Snoop Dogg's name has been raised by the Crows. Snoop Dogg has been booked by the AFL to perform at this year's grand final, and at least one of his songs (Doggz Gonna Get Ya) includes the offensive homophobic word (f*****) that Rankine used. So, as the footy world waits for the verdict that will have massive implications on this year's finals series, the AFL issued a short statement on Wednesday. 'The AFL advises that the Adelaide Crows have requested additional time to respond to the AFL's proposed determinations regarding an alleged incident with player Izak Rankine,' the statement said. 'The AFL has granted this request and will provide an update on the matter tomorrow.' Meanwhile, 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary said the AFL's proposal of a five-match ban for Rankine was in line with previous homophobic slurs, but the Crows were trying to have it reduced. 'It's understood the Crows have informally raised the AFL's double standards, including the call to have Snoop Dogg perform on grand final day,' Cleary said. 'But it won't form part of their formal submission the Crows enter to the AFL tonight.' On Wednesday Rankine received support from his coach, Matthew Nick, as well as an unlikely source in Collingwood coach Craig McRae. Nicks said: 'We put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it's going to be tough from here and we'll work our way through it.' The AFL has proposed a ban of five games on the table, which will keep Rankine out of the finals. With a lesser ban, it is possible the star player might be able to feature in the grand final, if the Crows make it that far. But Adelaide contend that a five-match ban during finals carries far more weight than five games during the home and away season. McRae said he didn't want to 'demonise' Rankine. 'Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and the young lad seems like a really respectful young man and he's made an error,' McRae said. 'The AFL will take their own course on that, but you're allowed to make mistakes too.' Last night 7NEWS revealed that Collingwood players felt compelled to escalate Rankine's homophobic slur internally following in part due to an alleged incident several years ago. It's understood multiple Magpies players are of the belief that Rankine delivered a similar slur towards an opponent in a previous match against Collingwood.
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Painter secures extension after stunning debut
West Coast rising star Lucia Painter has earned a contract extension after just one AFLW game as part of a young quartet the Eagles have locked away to secure their future. Painter was the Eagles' top pick from last year's draft and made an immediate impact with three goals from 13 touches in their round one win over Gold Coast, earning her a Rising Star nomination. The club has wasted no time in extending the 19-year-old, signing her on until the end of the 2027 season. 'Lou has made a fantastic impression since arriving at the club, with her work ethic, professionalism and appetite to improve, standing out from day one,' list manager Jordan Loxley said. 'In a short period, we've already seen exciting growth in her game, and we're really confident in where she can take her football. 'Her strength around the contest, ability to impact both inside and outside, and composure with ball in hand are exciting traits. 'We see Lou as a key part of our midfield group and a core player for us well into the future.' Painter is one of four re-signings announced on Wednesday, along with Jessica Rentsch (19), Abbygail Bushby (21) and Jaide Britton (22), with the club keen to strengthen their young core. Taken second in the 2023 draft, Rentsch played eight games in her first season and produced the best performance of her fledgling career against the Suns with 12 disposals and 12 tackles as a midfield enforcer. 'As our first selection in 2023, she's continued to impress with her work ethic and growth every session. Winning our Emerging Talent Award in her debut year speaks volumes about the impact she's already made,' he said. 'Her competitiveness and athleticism have again stood out this preseason, and her versatility gives us great flexibility. Jess is a key part of our future and someone we see being a long-term player at our club.' Jessica Rentsch of the Eagles chases the ball. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images Bushby also started the season strongly, and the Eagles believe there is still plenty of improvement to come. 'Abby has taken her game to a new level this pre-season. 'Her composure and skill around stoppages, both by hand and foot, are real assets to our midfield. We got a glimpse of her talent at AFLW level against Sydney last year, and we're excited to see that level of performance more consistently. 'She's still got so much upside, and we're looking forward to watching her continue to grow and develop.' Britton, 22 is the most experienced of the group, having established herself as a reliable wing and a leader amongst their young group. 'Her endurance and ability to play the wing role with consistency and drive make her a valuable part of our team. She brings professionalism and work ethic every day, and we're really pleased to have her re-sign for another two years.'
