Jed Adcock says Tom Rockliff has to improve timing but the media needs to move on
TOM ROCKLIFF will make a $1000 donation to charity after an incident involving he and North Melbourne's Brent Harvey was resolved on Tuesday.
Rockliff and Harvey exchanged heated words at the end of Saturday night's upset win by the Brisbane Lions, which Harvey – then Kangaroos coach Brad Scott – took exception to.
After discussion between the Lions and AFL, it was decided Rockliff would make the donation to a charity of his choice. The midfielder later revealed on Twitter that the charity selected was The Ponting Foundation.
"Tom has acknowledged he made an inappropriate comment to Brent last Saturday night and takes full responsibility for his actions," a Brisbane Lions statement said.
"Tom apologised to Brent on the field on Saturday night, and again yesterday by phone to make sure that apology was received – and Brent assured him that it was.
"The Brisbane Lions remain committed to ensuring that all players behave respectfully and in line with club values at all times."
The AFL is satisfied with the action taken on the matter.
Lions skipper Jed Adcock said earlier on Tuesday Rockliff had learned a lesson and it was time to move on.
"I think he's learned a lesson from it, yeah," Adcock said of his vice-captain.
"We've moved on and I'm sure the Kangaroos have moved on, and we'll wait for you guys (media) to move on."
Adcock said he understood it was a bigger issue than usual after Harvey took exception to Rockliff's post-siren comments.
Lions players with plenty to say to Brent Harvey post-game. Picture: AFL Media
Scott then had stern words with the Rockliff while players waited for an on-field tribute to retiring Lions champion Jonathan Brown.
Adcock said he had not spoken to Rockliff, but Leppitsch had.
"Rocky's got to be careful, he wears his heart on his sleeve and plays with a fair bit of passion," Adcock said.
"More just the timing, being after the siren, and he made a smart remark that didn't go down too well and caused a few eyebrows (to be raised).
"He's just got to watch the timing of when he says things."