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Hawthorn small forward Paul Puopolo has clashed twice with Richmond opponents, two days after coach Alastair Clarkson raised high free kicks as an AFL issue.
The incidents happened after Puopolo was awarded frees for high contact in Sunday’s loss to the Tigers at the MCG.
As the quarter-time siren sounded, Richmond veteran Shaun Grigg argued with Puopolo about the free he had just received.
Puopolo gestured to his midriff, clearly telling Grigg that the tackle should have been aimed lower.
Then in the last quarter, as Hawthorn were pressing, Puopolo appeared to drop his knees as he was awarded another free.
That sparked a scuffle, with Hawks teammate Cyril Rioli running in to offer support, before Puopolo kicked a goal.
Clarkson’s comments on Friday have sparked a flurry of commentary over the weekend.
Geelong coach Chris Scott accused Clarkson of alternative facts because the Hawks coach said Cats captain Joel Selwood had been concussed around 10 times in his career.
Scott said the correct number is three.
Then North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said later on Saturday that he and the rest of the AFL’s new Competition Committee would look at the issue.
For his part, Clarkson was happy that his comments had sparked debate.
“Listen at different stages, where coaches or whoever see fit to try to shape what’s best for the game and the welfare of the players, I think we should do it,” he said.
“That was the only intention out of the comments.
“That’s the good thing about the game. It’s not a fight – I don’t expect everyone is going to agree with me.
“It’s worthwhile putting these things up for debate and discussion if you think they are taking you down a path that could be dangerous for the game in the future.”
Clarkson expects to chat with Chris Scott about their comments when they next cross paths.
“I’m happy to be beaten on it (the issue) – you don’t have to win them all in this game,” Clarkson said.
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