Ascendon captain Dyson Hepel has responded to criticism from club legend Matthew Lloyd for failing to respond to ridicule from star midfielder Dylan Schill.
Lloyd was furious to see Sydney Swans midfielder Luke Parker making fun of Shill’s attack on football and said he wanted Shill or another bomber to “swipe the Swan star” in retaliation.
Hepel was apparently disappointed when Parker’s abusive attitude was shown, saying he had not seen it, but said an undisciplined response would not help the situation.
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“Look, Lloyd has every right to say that, no doubt. Everyone has their own opinion, that’s fine, but what he wants is Dylan to plow with someone, give a free kick, give a 50-meter penalty and then score another goal.” And age kicks are given so quickly, “Hepel told Fox Footy. On the couch.
“Toughness and perseverance and what you’re talking about, being a ‘beautiful’ football team, it’s not about giving a free kick or showing complete aggression.
“That’s when we have the ball to win, that’s what we want to stand for, play good quality hardballs.”
After Happel’s remarks, Bomber star Andy McGrath admitted that he and his teammates should have sided with Shil, which the captain agreed with.
“Yes, no doubt (there needs to be a response), if they are aware of it,” he said.
“Everyone seemed to be indifferent to it. I had no idea it was happening right now.
“If you are aware of this at the moment, I have no doubt that teammates will go straight and help and support.”
Hepel said the moment would be raised at Ascendon’s match review meeting on Tuesday and shed light on what his message would be to his teammates.
“It’s an empowerment to support our teammates. If the moment is there and the moment is right, I wouldn’t go there and ask Parker to throw a free kick to the ground. It doesn’t do us any good,” he said.
“Our brand and our identity want to be where we play within the rules, but we play hard and tough.”
Presented with Happel’s comments, Lloyd reiterated that revenge for Parker’s insults does not mean being rude.
“When I say ‘with the plow’, you can still hit hard. I don’t know where the 50-meter penalty and one goal come from – they still lost by 12 goals,” he told 3AW. Sports Day.
“Dyson was very defensive, everyone deserves their option.
“I know it’s a different game and a different era, but I’ve never seen anyone hit the ball hard.”
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