AFL boss’ swipe at Dogs star after honest wildcard confession
AFL chief Andrew Dillon took a swipe at the Western Bulldogs and Ed Richards on Monday, as the competition prepares for its first wildcard round.
Richards’ Bulldogs will play Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG in an eighth against ninth clash, with the winner to play an elimination final the next week.
Ed Richards. Getty Images
The Bulldogs star was asked if it felt like finals to him and provided an honest summation.
“It’d probably be mixed feelings if you ask around the joint. I personally think that we haven’t (made finals yet),” he said.
“It should be fun, a packed house, very exciting for footy fans around the country that don’t have to miss a week of footy now. I’m excited by the prospect of winning and being able to cement a spot in finals the following week.”
Dillon then had his scheduled press conference to launch the wildcard finals and it was put to the AFL boss that Richards had described it as round 25.
The response suggested Dillon wasn’t impressed.
“Yeah, look, I haven’t heard those comments, but I’m not sure the Bulldogs have played many home-and-away games in front of 90,000-plus, so he might have a different feeling after the game,” Dillon said.
The Bulldogs’ biggest crowd this season has been 59,556 at the MCG against Hawthorn in round 13. Their home ground is Marvel Stadium where the Magpies and Bulldogs played in round 12 in front of 43,430 fans.
Dogs coach Luke Beveridge will be hoping his side is helped by positive fitness updates, with Aaron Naughton under an injury cloud.
Naughton rolled his ankle against Melbourne and Richards confirmed the forward “needs to get rid of swelling” but should be OK to take the field.
Tim English has also missed two matches due to an MCL injury but is expected to play in the do-or-die clash with the Magpies.
