MOST players know where to draw the line when it comes to sledging, Essendon veteran Brendon Goddard says.
Bombers great Tim Watson has called for players to consider a code of conduct for on-field sledging after Carlton captain Marc Murphy was heavily targeted by St Kilda on the weekend.
Former premiership coach Paul Roos also slammed the Saints for the personal barbs, saying it's a blight on their AFL club.
Goddard says he's not aware of the details of the Murphy incident but feels most players already have an understanding of what's acceptable.
"I've been around 15 years now and I think everyone's got a sense of where that line is," Goddard said on Monday.
The 31-year-old said he hadn't considered whether an official code, developed by the Players' Association, was necessary.
"I don't want to sound too hypocritical as I don't mind a chirp on the ground but there is still essentially that line in the sand when it does come to that," he said.
"From our group and me personally there's a good sense of where that line is."
His thoughts were supported by Geelong captain Joel Selwood, who said players already self-regulated.
"There's obviously a line and as a code I think we do pretty well at making sure that if you do say something, it's not of a personal nature or not going to discriminate against someone," said Selwood.
"I think there probably is a place for (sledging) but there's a fine line in it."
Goddard's comments are timely with Essendon addressed on Monday by Jason Tuazon-McCheyne, president of the Purple Bombers and leader of the Australian Equality Party.
Essendon are planning several initiatives this week with the Purple Bombers.
Tuazon-McCheyne talked with players about diversity, tolerance and acceptance within the AFL.
"The Purple Bombers is about making the AFL a safe place for everyone," he said
"Essendon in their mission statement want to be the most inclusive club in the AFL and it's been amazing to see the entire playing group, staff and leadership of the club embrace inclusion."
