Bartel’s plea to AFL after Nasiah caught flipping bird
Geelong great Jimmy Bartel admits flipping the bird is “not a look we want” but says St Kilda superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera shouldn’t be sanctioned.
The AFL’s first $2 million man gave the middle finger to heckling Western Bulldogs fans during St Kilda’s 22-point loss at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera leaves the field before giving the middle finger to fans. Fox Footy
The Saints lost their grip on a wildcard spot in the 12.11 (83) to 8.13 (61) loss and Wanganeen-Milera could not contain his frustration, flipping off rowdy Dogs fans as he made his way to the bench late in the game.
The AFL has consistently handed out fines of $1000-$1500 to several players in recent seasons for flipping the bird, including Bailey Smith, Harley Reid and Jack Ginnivan.
But Bartel argued in favour of Wanganeen-Milera when asked if he thought a sanction was headed his way.
“No, I hope not,” Bartel told Nine’s Today.
“Look, it’s not a look we want, but I don’t think too many people should be offended by flipping the bird. Look, he copped a fair mouthful from the crowd and he responded.”
Saints coach Ross Lyon had little issue with it but admitted the AFL could see it differently.
“I didn’t even know it happened,” Lyon said post-game.
“I think they were giving it to Nas and Nas was frustrated ... We like a bit of theatre. Do we like the bird? We’re about to find out.”
Saints stars Tom De Koning and Jack Sinclair are set for time on the sidelines after suffering injuries in the loss to the Dogs.
De Koning spent the night in hospital with a punctured lung and broken ribs after a crunching collision in the second quarter.
Sinclair avoided an Achilles rupture but suffered a serious calf injury, according to AFL.com.au.
Wanganeen-Milera racked up a game-high 44 disposals and kicked a goal.
