Mitch Robinson cops AFL backlash over 'w**ker' sledge
Brisbane Lions star Mitch Robinson has been criticised by several AFL pundits and been given a talking to by coach Chris Fagan over his ‘w**ker’ evaluation of Richmond’s Tom Lynch.
A clip of Robinson discussing Lynch on streaming platform Twitch, taken from two weeks ago, resurfaced on Wednesday as Lynch was at the centre of his own storm of criticism for two separate striking incidents against the Gold Coast Suns on Monday night.
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While Lynch was roundly criticised for two unnecessary hits off the ball, Robinson also came under fire for his own comments, which were sparked by Lynch pushing Lions teammate Alex Witherden’s head into the turf - for which Lynch was fined $500.
Channel Nine’s veteran reporter Caroline Wilson described Robinson’s words as ‘the most unbelievably ridiculous spray’, before detailing how Fagan had spoken to his star player.
“I know it came off the back of the Witherden incident. It’s two weeks old, it’s emerged, the Lions became aware of it (Wednesday),” she said.
“I’m told the coach Chris Fagan has spoken quite severely to Mitch Robinson, who has apologised to his club for the language he used.”
Former Fremantle coach Ross Lyon warned Robinson risked becoming a ‘distraction’ to the club’s premiership hopes.
“I’m concerned. I’m glad to hear they’ve spoken to him,” he said.
“I’m at the roll of the eye stage with Mitch. You’re going OK, son. But you’re just having a little too much to say.”
Mitch Robinson under fire for Tom Lynch comments
AFL great Matthew Lloyd drew a comparison between Robinson and another controversial Lion, former Brownlow Medal winner Jason Akermanis.
Lloyd said Akermanis eventually became more trouble than he was worth for the Lions, and feared Robinson could end up in the same position.
“He had his 200th a few weeks ago and he was lauded for what he’s done for a lot of Brisbane players,” Lloyd said.
“He’s got to be very careful he doesn’t become a Jason Akermanis. That he gets to a point where he becomes such a distraction for Chris Fagan.
“While you’re winning it’s OK — when Aker’s team was winning premierships everyone accepted it — but the moment you start losing and Mitch isn’t playing that well.”
Brisbane are set to face St Kilda on Sunday, with both sides fighting for a spot in the top four.
