Is taunting becoming the new thing in the AFL? And is it a problem?

Aidan Cellini

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Is taunting becoming the new thing in the AFL? And is it a problem? image

In the wake of Richmond player Shai Bolton's taunt, questions have stirred about how it represents the game and why players feel inclined to do so.

With the game still in the balance late in the last quarter, Bolton scooped up the ball with blistering pace and waltzed in toward goal, not forgetting to show Carlton's Sam Docherty the football on his way to the six points.

This isn't the 23-year-old's first time going after the Blues defender, as Docherty received a taunt from Bolton in round 1 (2021) following a goal that was slotted by the forward.

Thursday night's edition wasn't seen with fondness nor acceptance from coach Damien Hardwick, who thought the young Tiger's actions were not part of his character.

“Yeah, look he's made a mistake,” Hardwick said.

“It's not us, it's not what we're about and he'll be regretful no question. He'll be accountable and responsible for it.

“It's certainly not part of who he is and part of what we are so we're disappointed, but we'll work our way through it and support him and he will learn some lessons from it.

“It's not a great look. It's not what we stand for.

“One of the things we want to do is honour the competition and that goes against that.”

Teammate Nathan Broad also alluded to the 23-year-old's age, saying he's got plenty of growing to do.

“I’ve already had a chat to Shai – it’s not a great look. He knows it too,” Broad said on AFL Nation.

“He went up and apologised, I think.

“He’s still young and still working on his game. He’ll take it on the chin and move on.”

Bolton's taunt was not the first incident this season, with renowned antagonist Jack Ginnivan and Hawthorn's Chad Wingard acting with arguably similar mannerisms.

Both players were seen prematurely celebrating whilst running in toward goal to evoke reactions from opposition fans, rubbing salt into wounds.

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell felt that Wingard's actions were a part of the goal celebration and not an act of showboating or taunting, back in round 12 against Collingwood.

“I really enjoyed his one on the weekend, I don’t think it was showboating,” Mitchell said.

“I think what we have at our club is a real appreciation for what we’ve missed over the last couple of years with fans.

“We want people coming to the footy and when he does that to try and get the crowd involved in the game, I think that actually helps the game, it helps everyone that’s there.

“As a football club, we want people coming to our games and the Hawks fans and members this year have turned up pretty well to be honest.

“When he tries to get the crowd involved, I actually really like that.”

Kane Cornes and David King spoke about the taunting on Melbourne radio and felt it wasn't a part of our game and the ripple effect of players from the elite level.

"You wouldn't advise it and certainly if we did it when we were playing, the leadership group or captain would say 'pull your head in'," Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.

"It was a bit of theatre ... it does get us all looking at it. I think you'll see it around at your local footy, your under 10s, under 12s this weekend, it'll be everywhere," King said in response.

Although harmless in its intention, taunting or showboating may cause larger problems with children who look up to their favourite players.

It could also bring the game into disrepute, with former players and coaches not taking kindly to the actions of some of the players adding to the "theatre" of the match.

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.