We should have a goal celebration round in the AFL.
Seriously, tell the players, everyone has to do something different after kicking a goal - and give a prize of $5k for the player’s choice of charity.
Weird idea, right? I think after this weekend, it’s something we should genuinely consider.
I’ve got a very clear message for everyone having a go at Xavier Duursma: lighten up.
The argument of “time and place”… it’s only valid if it suits the circumstances.
Duursma took a great mark and brought Port Adelaide within 16 points of the Tigers in the middle of the third quarter.
Duursma brings out the bow & arrow pic.twitter.com/gAQZZSnVdP
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 26, 2019
The game was still well and truly winnable, he’s trying to fire the crowd up - what better time is there to celebrate?
And don’t forget, Duursma has been doing this celebration all year.
So why do people have such a problem with it now, I wonder…
Moving on from solely Duursma and I think the entire AFL should start enjoying their celebrations more.
Look at Brett Lee’s chainsaw in cricket, we loved that.
Or Lleyton Hewitt’s iconic “come on”.
We are calling out for more character in the AFL yet seem to shoot it down (apologies for the pun) every chance we get.
Remember Dyson Heppell and David Myers smiling after a loss to Sydney? People lost their mind over that.
Let me put it to you another way: How many people would love to kick a goal in AFL?
And how many of those people would celebrate?
Yet the second someone actually makes it into the AFL, we condemn them for enjoying it…
It’s interesting to look back at someone like Jason Akermanis - three-time premiership player, brownlow medalist and well-known for onfield handstands after a win.
Would Aker have been heavily criticised in 2019? It’s an interesting question.
Society as a whole responds quicker now, mostly thanks to social media.
It seems like everyone finds a reason to be offended and has the means to let the world know their opinion.
I think it boils down to tall poppy syndrome…
So back to my original point - let's have a celebrations round in the AFL.
Players can have a bit of fun on the field, fans can learn to relax and we can do it all while raising some money for charity.
That’s a win-win-win.
Celebrate that.
Dale Lewis is the co-host of Triple M’s The Rush Hour with Jars & Louie, weekdays from 3-4pm and 6-7pm.
Lewis played 182 games for the Sydney Swans between 1990 and 2001.