NORTH Melbourne coach Dean Laidley will seek a ‘please explain’ from the AFL in the wake of his side’s 16-point loss to Hawthorn.
Laidley told his post-match media conference he would seek out AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson to discuss what he says was unacceptable banter between umpires and his players.
“I’m not going to talk about decisions from umpires but I’m certainly going to speak to Adrian Anderson about some conversations that took place…. conversations and body language and sounds from umpires that shouldn’t happen at this level,” he said.
“I’m certainly going to go and speak to Adrian about that.
“The decisions, it’s a waste of time going to Jeff Gieschen (umpires adviser), you just get on with it.”
Laidley declined to expand on what comments were made but was clearly upset and frustrated with the umpiring, even though the count ironically favoured his side 21-15.
Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin kicked two of his five goals from questionable free kicks.
“When your players come to you and say things like that it’s a worrying sign,” Laidley said of the chat between his players and umpires.
“I’m not going to talk about the decisions but I’m just letting you know that I will go through the right channels and speak to Adrian because some of the stuff that came back I don’t think is right.”
Laidley said luck played a big part in his side losing its second game of the season but maintained he had nothing but admiration for the way his team committed itself to the cause.
The Hawks kicked six goals to one in the final term to overrun the Roos who led by 17 points at the final change.
“I take my hat off to our boys because I thought they were terrific today,” he said.
“When you get to games like this and - probably even early in the last quarter where you don’t get a bit of luck - and in the end that’s the scoreline.
“It’s gut wrenching to lose and they (the players) were pretty downtrodden after the game.
"I said to them; 'when you get to games like this and you give it your best shot and what happens is what’s left over is a bit of luck'.
“And unfortunately we didn’t get it today and they probably got a bit of luck.
“But, I thought their endeavour and their attack on the football was very, very good.
“At the end of the day that’s all you can ask.”
Laidley praised the game of Josh Gibson who had the monumental task of stopping Franklin. The Hawk spearhead kicked five goals including two in the final term.