AFL Takes a Strong Stand Against Taunting
The Australian Football League (AFL) has made it clear that taunting will not be tolerated on the field, following a recent incident involving Fremantle forward Patrick Voss. During a match against Melbourne in Perth, Voss was fined for making a ‘cry baby’ gesture towards Demons defender Harrison Petty.
At the time of the incident, Fremantle held a 42-point lead, and as the quarter-time siren sounded, Voss rubbed Petty’s hair condescendingly three times while the pair engaged in a verbal exchange. Melbourne captain Max Gawn intervened, but Voss then made the offensive gesture at Petty.
The AFL match review panel addressed the issue swiftly, issuing a $1500 fine to Voss, which can be reduced to $1000 if he pleads guilty early. The fine falls under the ‘Other Misconduct’ category, sending a strong message that such behavior will not be accepted in the league.
Petty has been a frequent target of similar taunts over the years. In 2022, he was brought to tears when Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko sledged him about an ill family member. Zorko later issued an apology. Then, in 2024, Lions defender Noah Answerth directed a ‘cry baby’ taunt towards Petty. Voss became the latest player to target Petty, drawing criticism from North Melbourne great David King.
“You can embarrass them in the way you play but you can’t humiliate them face-to-face,” King said on Fox Footy. “I think it’s a bad look and I don’t think the AFL will be thrilled with this. I think the taunting rule will come into effect. It’s an ugly part of our game we don’t need.”
Voss tried to downplay the incident after the game, stating, “There were a few words being said, but yeah, shake hands at the end of the day.” He admitted that in the early stages of his career, he had stepped over the line a few times, but he now feels he is in a good place.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was unaware of the exact details or context behind the incident. However, he praised Voss for the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the team. “We understand he treads a fine line at times, and he’s got to manage that,” Longmuir said. “But he just brings so much energy to the group that we all buzz off it.”
Voss had a more light-hearted moment late in the game when he lifted Ed Langdon over his shoulder and walked six steps to carry his opponent over the boundary line. The pair shared a laugh about the incident, but Voss’s taunt on Petty was clearly not seen as humorous by the AFL authorities.
In the 17.16 (118) to 10.10 (70) win over Melbourne, Voss kicked 1.2 from 12 disposals and is emerging as a key player in Fremantle’s bid to win their first-ever flag.
