The issue of taunting is set to be thrust back into the AFL spotlight after Fremantle forward Patrick Voss made a ‘crybaby’ gesture towards Demons defender Harrison Petty during Saturday night’s clash in Perth.
At the sounding of the quarter-time siren and with Fremantle holding a 42-point lead, Voss rubbed Petty’s hair condescendingly three times as the pair engaged in a back-and-forth verbal exchange.
Melbourne skipper Max Gawn came in to remonstrate with Voss, with the Fremantle forward then making a ‘crybaby’ gesture at Petty.
Petty has been a target of similar gestures or sledges over the years.
In 2022, Petty was brought to tears when Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko sledged him about his sick mother.
Zorko later apologised for that incident.
Then in 2024, Lions defender Noah Answerth directed a crybaby taunt towards Petty.
Voss was slammed by North Melbourne great David King, who labelled the spearhead’s actions a ‘step too far’.
Pictured: Dockers star Patrick Voss makes a ‘crybaby’ gesture at his Demons rival Harrison Petty on Saturday
Voss also taunted Petty by patting him on the head repeatedly – with one great of the game and plenty of fans slamming him for trying to ‘humiliate’ his rival
Petty (pictured playing against Richmond last month) was left in tears when Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko sledged him about his ill mother in 2022
‘You can embarrass them in the way you play but you can’t humiliate them face-to-face,’ King told 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.
‘I’m not sure whether there’s anything in the rules you could sanction the player, but it’s a worthy discussion because in the end it’s an ugly part of our game we don’t need.’
Footy fans joined King in condemning the Dockers star.
‘By targeting Harrison Petty – a player with a well-documented history of emotional distress – Voss hasn’t just crossed a line; he has arguably brought the game into disrepute,’ one wrote on X.
‘Voss is an absolute loser who has done nothing with his career. Petty has a premiership medal,’ added another.
‘Yeah the game is comfortable that a man who cries should be mocked for eternity by complete morons like Voss,’ a third said.
‘Nah let him make a clown of himself, one was delisted off the bombers and one’s won a premiership, the joke will write itself,’ another fan wrote.
Kangaroos legend David King said the sledge against Petty (pictured with Alice Morgan) is ‘an ugly part of our game we don’t need’
Demons ruckman Max Gawn (right) got stuck into Voss after his taunt
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was unaware of the exact details or context behind the incident.
But he praised Voss for the general energy and enthusiasm he brings to the side.
‘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.
‘He plays with great energy. He tries to help his teammates out who are getting tagged. He goes after target players for us or players we want to try and negate from the opposition.
‘So he does a lot right in that sense.’
The Dayne Zorko sledge at Petty left the Demons star visibly emotional during the three-quarter time break, spending some time off the field before returning later in the game in the 58-point win by the Demons over the Lions.
The incident prompted an investigation by the AFL, an apology from the Brisbane Lions and an outpouring of criticism from angry fans condemning Zorko.
‘Really distressing scenes seeing Harrison Petty so emotional on the ground,’ one wrote on Twitter.
‘Good to see the support from the Dees’ coaches at 3QT. Whatever was said shouldn’t ever happen! Zorko and Brisbane need to take some more responsibility here.’
Brisbane Lions released the following statement in which Zorko apologised for his behaviour.
‘I have apologised to Harrison for the inappropriate comment I made to him last night,’ Zorko said.
‘I’m remorseful for my actions and take full responsibility for the hurt caused to Harrison, his family and the Melbourne Football Club.
‘In reflection, I understand I need to be a better leader, and have spoken with the club who have reinforced this.’
