- Tension between Nick Riewoldt and Caroline Wilson
- Took place on Channel Seven’s Agenda Setters show
Footy legend Nick Riewoldt demanded an apology on live TV after he was labelled a sexist by veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson on Monday night.
The fiery exchange unfolded on Channel Seven’s The Agenda Setters as both panel members were discussing the dire state of North Melbourne.
Alastair Clarkson’s men were trounced by 101 points at Marvel Stadium on July 26 by Geelong, with Jeremy Cameron booting 11 goals.
Bailey Smith was a standout in the midfield for the Cats, chalking up 43 disposals.
Tellingly, the thrashing was the third time this season the Kangaroos have conceded a score of 150 or more – and the third time in five games they have allowed at least 130 points.
Riewoldt was discussing where it’s gone wrong for North when he labelled club president Sonja Hood ‘sycophantic’ over her praise when the team signed Clarkson as head coach in 2023.
Footy legend Nick Riewoldt demanded an apology on live TV after he was labelled a sexist by veteran journalist Caroline Wilson on Monday night
The fiery exchange unfolded on Channel Seven’s The Agenda Setters when both panel hosts were discussing the dire state of North Melbourne
Riewoldt infuriated Wilson when he said North Melbourne president Sonja Hood was ‘sycophantic’ in her praise for coach Alastair Clarkson (pictured)
That offended Wilson, who loudly questioned whether Riewoldt would have formed a similar view if Hood was a man.
‘That is bordering on sexism, if a male president had lauded getting a premiership coach… you wouldn’t call it sycophantic. I bet you wouldn’t,’ she said.
The St Kilda great was seething at the accusation from Wilson.
‘What are you talking about? I resent the fact you think that’s a sexist comment, that is a ridiculous thing to say,’ he said.
‘How is someone being sycophantic got anything to do with their gender? That’s ridiculous and you should apologise.’
It is unknown if the footy identities resolved the tension – or if Wilson apologised – as an ad break broke up the clash.
Meanwhile, two-time Kangaroos premiership player David King is concerned for the club’s future with Clarkson at the helm.
‘You have to be worried, don’t you?’ King said on SEN.
‘Nothing has changed defensively, and when nothing (has) changed what are you building?
‘Clarko for five years was perfect, but I thought there would be a more significant improvement in the third year (2025).
‘In my own heart of hearts, this club desperately needs stability. It’s been through turmoil. It’s spat out coach after coach for six or seven years.
‘But we are still here. It’s just so confusing trying to watch them and work out what they are doing.’
