In today’s AFL Briefing, your wrap of footy news:

• Patrick Dangerfield has responded to criticism over booing comments.
• Brisbane have demolished a depleted Port Adelaide by 59 points for a seventh successive win.

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield has responded to criticism from former AFLW player Kate McCarthy that his justification for booing among some AFL fans “missed the mark”.

The veteran AFL player said “context” was everything, regretting that comments he made on ABC Sport on Saturday were “not worded how I would have liked”.

The debate about the rights and wrongs of booing at AFL matches was reignited this weekend after Isaac Quaynor was the victim of targeted booing at Adelaide Oval to kick off round 20. The Collingwood defender was jeered by large sections of the 50,109-strong crowd each time he had possession.

Crows supporters also targeted Quaynor in last year’s qualifying final, a fortnight after he was the victim of a homophobic slur from Adelaide star Izak Rankine.

In an interview with ABC Sport on Saturday, AFL veteran Dangerfield was asked what advice he’d give to someone who received a slur on the field.

“Well, I think it’s a tough one … the right thing is always the right thing, as uncomfortable as it may be,” Dangerfield said.

“The game relies on the passion of the fans, and that is a critical part of why the game is so great. And most crowds and supportive bases are quite parochial regardless of, you know, what the incident has been — whether it’s been reporting of a homophobic slur, whether it’s a, you know, a suspension in a tackle like that — they will defend their own to the hilt.

“I understand the disappointment, but I also think we have to sit ourselves in the scene of a supporter, and for many that is their release.

“I’m not saying booing a player is the right way to go about it, but I still think we want to make sure it’s a supportive environment.

“But, you know, people are entitled to support and cheer on their teams as well. So it’s a bit of a funny one, I think.”

But those comments “missed the mark”, according to Kate McCarthy. Being a supporter at the football was not a consequence-free space, the prominent media commentator said on social media.

“Supporters are entitled to be passionate. They’re entitled to boo,” McCarthy posted on X, after highlighting Dangerfield’s comments.

“But context matters. And in this context, I don’t think ‘that’s just footy fans’ is anywhere near good enough.

“Football can absolutely be an emotional release for supporters. But being a supporter doesn’t give you a consequence free space to direct that emotion wherever you like.

“There has to be a line and targeting the victim of homophobic abuse because he reported it is over the line.”

The feedback was welcomed by Dangerfield, who replied: “Fair call Kate. Not worded how I would have liked. Context is everything, You’ve nailed it.”

Brisbane Lions flick switch, turn off Power in second-half rout

Brisbane have continued their push for an historic second premiership “three peat” this century, demolishing a depleted Port Adelaide by 59 points for a seventh successive victory.

But the Lions had to work hard to shake off the Power, who hung in until midway through the third quarter before the home side exploded, kicking 14 to 5 goals in a crushing second half to win 19.12 (126) to 9.13 (67).

The result leaves Chris Fagan’s men fourth on the ladder, a game clear of Adelaide with four rounds to play, and with challenging games against Carlton, Hawthorn, the Gold Coast Suns and Collingwood to come.

On form, however, the Lions should fear none of them.

While the Power worked hard early to close space and force the Lions to use the ball more by hand instead of employing their usual precise kicking game, the Lions had too much class and too many avenues to goal.

Sunday’s game split open in the second half, with both sides going goal for goal from the centre ball-up before the Lions cut loose, finishing with seven majors to three in the third quarter.

The decisive blows were struck by Sam Draper, who plucked a centre-square ruck contest and galloped to 60 metres before launching, and Will Ashcroft, who extended the Lions’ lead to 29 points on the siren.

Port Adelaide finally folded in the last quarter as the Lions shifted into overdrive, turning what had been a hard-fought game into a procession.

Ashcroft was superb with two goals from 30 possessions, while Zac Bailey was destructive with three majors from his 26 and Harris Andrews was typically impassable in defence with 13 marks.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign was the inside game of Hugh McCluggage, who had his best match for the year, finishing with 29 possessions, five clearances and a goal as an inside midfielder.

The Lions’ defensive intent was shown late in the final quarter, when Draper spoiled a Port shot on goal on the line and celebrated as if he had kicked one himself.

Brisbane’s forwards also fired, with Logan Morris, Kai Lohmann and Charlie Cameron kicking three goals apiece.

Jason Horne-Francis was a shining light for Port, keeping them in the contest with a superb kicking exhibition that resulted in nine score involvements and three direct assists.

But without Port’s usual centre-square assassin Zak Butters, Horne-Francis lacked midfield support, with the Power doing well to stay with the Lions for as long as they did.

They were also let down by their set-shot kicking, with spearhead Mitch Georgiades ending with 2.4 for the game.

AAP