Collingwood star Nick Daicos has been accused by footy fans of play-acting following an off-the-ball incident with Western Bulldogs defender Taylor Duryea.
Daicos, 21, was seen clutching his jaw following the supposed contact – and when it was confirmed Duryea was reported for striking, AFL identities such as Brian Taylor and Matthew Richardson felt a fine would be sufficient punishment.
Footage online shows the silky Magpies midfielder appearing to make the most of the contact at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday night.
That was the clear verdict from supporters on social media, who accused the Collingwood premiership-winner of ‘staging’ in a bid to win free kicks.
‘And the Gold Logie goes too,’ radio presenter Brian Peel posted in response to the vision.
Another footy fan bluntly said: ‘the Golden Globe award for best actor goes to Nick ‘Princess’ Daicos. He should be reported for his pathetic acting.’
A third weighed in with: 3 Brownlow points for [Daicos] following the year’s best dive.’
Duryea opted to keep quiet post game – and there were some awkward scenes on Channel 7 when the veteran defender was standing directly in the background in the sheds as commentators Mitch Cleary and Abbey Holmes discussed the Daicos clash.
Holmes eventually asked Duryea his thoughts to which he quipped: ‘I can’t comment can I?’
It was a vital win for the Bulldogs, who now sit in 10th spot following the impressive team performance, especially in the final quarter against the usually fast-finishing Magpies, who were limited to just one behind.
‘We didn’t contain Nick [Daicos] early in the game, so then we went with a different approach during the third quarter and it was OK,’ coach Luke Beveridge told reporters.
‘I also thought Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar were enormous for us in the midfield playing under fatigue.’
Inspirational skipper Bontempelli registered 38 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals to lead the way for the Bulldogs.
Following the 18 point defeat, defending premiers Collingwood could drop out of the top eight this weekend depending on other results.