AFL fans fume over Patrick Dangerfield escape as Nathan Brown cops backlash over 'staging' remark

AFL fans have hit back at former Richmond player Nathan Brown for his take on Patrick Dangerfield's tackle on Huge McCluggage as the Cats star received a fine after Geelong's loss to the Lions. Dangerfield found himself in trouble in the third-quarter when he wrapped up McCluggage and tackled him to the ground in a slinging motion.

A free-kick was paid to the Lions with McCluggage's head hitting the ground with one-armed pinned. However, he was able to break the fall with his other hand. The Lions star clutched at his head for a moment, before he jumped back up and managed to take the free-kick quickly.

Geelong didn't have to worry about Dangerfield missing the grand final after the 10-point loss in front of a raucous MCG crowd. However, Dangerfield was facing a suspension from the Match Review Officer and it would have ruled him out for the start of next season.

However, in a staggering take, Brown claimed McCluggage played for the free-kick and if anyone was going to get a fine it should be the Lions player. "As soon as he gets the whistle, he is straight up. Hugh McCluggage exaggerated the contact. I don't think there was any contact with his head at all," he said on Channel Nine.

"I would be looking at Huge McCluggage and going 'almost a fine'. He jumps straight back up...you can not rub out Patrick Dangerfield." Channel Nine presenter Tony Jones suggested Brown's take was 'harsh' on McCluggage. But Brown doubled down.

"Players have got to stop doing that," Brown said of McCluggage grabbing his head, before the free-kick was paid. "Players have got to stop playing for free-kicks in tackles."

Kane Cornes agreed Dangerfield shouldn't get more than a free-kick against him as a result of the tackle, but he also noted the AFL has handed down bans for similar tackles throughout the year. Even if McCluggage wasn't hurt, his head did hit the ground in the tackle. Matthew Lloyd agreed that Dangerfield could be in trouble, considering similar tackles have seen suspensions.

Patrick Dangerfield avoids suspension in Geelong loss

And it turns out Dangerfield won't miss the start of the 2025 season for the Cats having been handed down a $2,500 fine. Although Brown's take did not sit well with fans who claimed the former Richmond star was well off the mark.

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Many felt the Lions star did not 'stage' the free-kick and his head did make contact with the ground. Dangerfield's tackle was no different to a number of challenges earlier this year, which saw the AFL hand out lengthy suspensions.

Chris Scott cops questions over Max Holmes call

Dangerfield was also fined for striking Josh Dunkley in the second-quarter of the loss. Unfortunately, it all went wrong for the Cats after half-time with coach Chris Scott also coming under fire for a delayed decision.

Max Holmes hobbled to the sideline in the third quarter and was attended to as he tried to shake off the injury. Holmes spent more than 15 minutes getting treatment as the Lions fought back from a 25-point deficit. After Holmes returned in the fourth-quarter, the star kicked the ball and realised he couldn't continue as he exited the game with the Lions leading by one-point.

The move proved costly for Geelong with Scott admitting it was a loss for the team to see one of their best players - with. 20 disposals - leave the game. "But that's a reflection of how good a player he is I think, more than the reshuffle through our midfield," Scott said in his post-match press conference.

"I thought he was dominating the game, wasn't he? So yeah, it hurt a bit. And again, glass half-full, I'm looking forward to the next 10 years of Max Holmes playing in the hoops. "So yeah, it stings a bit at the moment. And there were others as well."