Shane Warne sparks AFLW controversy with 'proper footy' remarks

Shane Warne has been forced to clarify comments about the AFL after sparking an angry backlash from fans and female players.

The Aussie cricket legend was promoting Thursday night’s pre-season clash between St Kilda and Carlton in the AFL when he put his foot in it.

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In a social media video for Fox Sports, the diehard St Kilda fan said he was excited that “proper footy” was finally back.

“G’day guys this is massive, it’s footy season, AFL - proper footy!” Warne said.

“It’s St Kilda-Carlton right here on Fox Footy on Thursday night.”

The only issue was that the AFL women's comp has been running for weeks.

Although Warne was simply referring to other footy codes - not the AFLW - many took exception to his comments.

St Kilda AFLW player Kate McCarthy wrote: “Proper footy hey Shane Warne."

After backlash from a number of other social media users, Warne clarified his comments.

“Excited to watch my Saints in the AFL and proper footy was referring to recently watching other footy codes!” Warne wrote.

“It’s extremely sad that people want to infer I meant anything else. Bloody ridiculous.”

St Kilda edge Carlton in pre-season clash

The potential offensive impact of the AFL's contentious new 'stand' rule was laid bare as St Kilda and Carlton produced a fast-paced shootout.

The teams combined for 13 goals in a blistering first quarter under the roof at Marvel Stadium as the ball often pinged from end to end at rapid speed.

Only fatigue appeared to slow players down late in the contest as the Saints prevailed, with Jack Lonie, Max King and Tim Membrey combining for 10 goals in their 19.11 (125) to 15.9 (99) win.

The 'stand' rule - which prohibits the player on the mark from moving in any direction - has been a point of contention for players, coaches and fans over the off-season.

It was under the microscope early when Saints forward Shaun McKernan was penalised for a blatant indiscretion.

But there were few major glitches or hold-ups in play as a result of the new rule, which is designed to promote faster ball movement and, ultimately, higher-scoring matches.

"It showed that the game is quicker with the man on the mark rule," St Kilda coach Brett Ratten said.

"Teams are looking for it and the flow in the game and the (interchange) rotations are limited.

"It's going to be interesting how much scoring goes through the roof, or strategies that teams come up with, because it's going to challenge the players."

with AAP

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