Former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes has criticised Richmond coach Damien Hardwick for his exchange with a journalist following Saturday’s loss to the Western Bulldogs.
The Tigers lost to the Dogs by five points in a seesawing contest at the MCG, with spearhead Tom Lynch reported for an incident with Alex Keath that on Sunday was deemed rough conduct by the Match Review Officer.
Hardwick bristled when asked about the incident post-game and, when told it was a moment brought up on the broadcast during the match, took aim at the broadcast, questioning its quality.
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Richmond Tigers Press Conference | 04:38
“I thought he came across as a sore loser,” Cornes said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“He clearly knew what the journalist was asking him about and the incident he was referring to, so he played dumb in that moment.
“It’s nothing personal with Damien Hardwick.
“I just think if he had his time again, in the current landscape of football, it’s clear that it’s going to be a talking point.”
Keath was subbed out of the game with concussion after the incident.
Lynch’s conduct was graded careless with severe impact and high contact, resulting in a referral to the AFL Tribunal and a potential ban of at least three matches.
The Tigers revealed in the aftermath of the game Lynch would require foot surgery after sustaining a fracture in his right foot during the second quarter.
A recovery timeline for the two-time premiership forward is expected following his surgery.
