North Melbourne have issued a stern warning to their players: any public criticism of the AFL, its umpires, or the Match Review Officer (MRO) will result in fines. The directive comes after Kangaroos midfielder Jy Simpkin received an official warning from the league for describing the MRO's three-match ban on teammate Paul Curtis as 'laughable'.
AFL Cracks Down on Public Comments
The AFL has also placed Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick on notice after he voiced displeasure over umpiring decisions following his side's loss to Geelong two weeks ago. The league has now communicated to all clubs that any further instances of public criticism of umpires, match review decisions, or the tribunal will be met with financial penalties.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson confirmed that his players are fully aware of the consequences. 'We gave our players another reminder yesterday that the rules and regulations were in place for a reason, and whether we like them or not, they're the rules we signed up for at the start,' Clarkson said. 'If we want to be contracted into this game, the game that we love, then abide by the rules and regulations that are there.'
Clarkson's Own History with Fines
Clarkson himself has a history of fines for incidents ranging from conduct unbecoming to criticism of umpires. 'We enter society and there's rules and regulations, and sometimes we choose to flaunt them and you pay the penalty if you break them,' he said. 'That's the same with AFL footy. We know the rules and regulations are there, and sometimes we'll choose to violate them and be prepared to cop the fine for being prepared to say something you think is really important.'
He added, 'I've been at the back end of that a couple of times, and have chosen to speak my mind and it's cost me a bit out of my wallet. So I've been given a gentle reminder by my wife more than once that I'm better off just doing it behind closed doors.'
Charlie Comben Contract Talks Ongoing
Meanwhile, Clarkson remains optimistic about contract negotiations with key defender Charlie Comben, who is contracted to North Melbourne until the end of 2027. The incoming Tasmania club has shown interest in Comben, but the Kangaroos are determined to retain him. 'Even though the actual signature hasn't been done yet, the discussions have already commenced,' Clarkson said. 'He would have been thinking about it, we've been thinking about it. So we'll at some point in time get together and hopefully work that out pretty soon.'
Upcoming Match Against Essendon
North Melbourne (7-7) will aim for their third consecutive win when they face Essendon (1-13) at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. The Roos will be without ruckman Tristan Xerri, who suffered a fractured jaw during last week's 25-point victory over Richmond.
