5 hours ago
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Damien Hardwick isn't shy when it comes to sending the AFL a message - and the passionate Gold Coast Suns sent the league another one following a $2000 fine earlier this week.
Hardwick was in disbelief after a free kick wasn't paid against GWS Giants star Jake Stringer on June 22 in Sydney with the game on the line - and 'Dimma' made his feelings on the call abundantly clear by sticking his middle finger up at the umpires.
Hardwick let his emotions get the better of him, and paid the price - although Fox Footy is tipped to cough up the $2000 after they played the vision.
Speaking on Thursday after the Suns confirmed gun midfielder Matt Rowell will remain at the club until at least 2027, Hardwick showcased his sense of humour.
'Yes, great news, it is a two-year deal,' he confirmed to journalists by cheekily displaying two fingers in an 'up yours' gesture.
On Monday night, the vision from the Sydney Showground was played on Fox Footy, and although Hardwick saw the funny side, he instantly knew he was in strife.
Damien Hardwick isn't shy when it comes to sending the AFL a message - and the Gold Coast Suns coach sent the league another one after copping a $2000 fine earlier this week
The Gold Coast Suns coach was in disbelief after a late deliberate wasn't paid against GWS star Jake Stringer - and 'Dimma' made his feelings on the call abundantly clear (pictured)
'Oh you blokes, you have killed me,' Hardwick told AFL 360's Gerard Whateley and Garry Lyon.
'The finger salute might get me in a bit of trouble.'
In April this year, footage emerged of Geelong recruit Bailey Smith in a heated exchange with an Adelaide Crows supporter while walking down the tunnel.
In the vision, Smith could be seen reacting to the fan by flashing both middle fingers.
Smith later revealed he made the fiery gesture to stick up for his captain Patrick Dangerfield.
'Probably not my best moment. We were just walking off when someone was getting into Danger a bit more than he should have,' he told Channel 7.
'We were in enemy territory and I sort of love that stuff, the back and forth between the fans, but if I had my time again, I probably shouldn't have done the double bird.
'But it's all part of it, there is only so much you can cop. 'I'll expect a fine, but don't talk s**t to the skipper I guess.'
The AFL later fined Smith $1500 for making an obscene gesture, which was reduced to $1000 with an early guilty plea.
West Coast young gun Harley Reid and Hawthorn forward Mabior Chol have also been penalised this season by the AFL for making the finger gesture towards opposition fans.
