Demons star Harrison Petty has reignited his spat with Fremantle’s Patrick Voss after a “cheeky dig” during his team’s win on Saturday afternoon.
Melbourne claimed a stunning 113-109 victory over the Dockers in one of the games of the season as both sides now look ahead to the finals.
It comes after Fremantle dispatched the Demons 118-70 in Perth five months ago — a game that was marred by Voss’ taunting of Petty.
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A verbal exchange led to Voss mocking Petty by rubbing his head, before the Fremantle star continued the sledging with a “cry-baby” gesture.
This was in reference to a controversial moment in 2022 from Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko which reduced Petty to tears.
Voss received a $1500 fine from the AFL for the misconduct.
But Petty had the final say after scoring for the Demons at the MCG — which capped a sensational performance.
As he ran off celebrating, Petty rubbed his head in a direct response to Voss’ taunt earlier in the season.
And he was happy to explain his thought process when asked about it during the post-match interview.
Petty said: “That was all spontaneous. I thought a cheeky little dig won’t hurt.
“Honestly, I like the way he (Voss) goes about it. He’s a competitor and I feel like I’m a competitor too, so it’s all fun and games in the end.”
Saints great and Fox Sports commentator Leigh Montagna loved the head pat, saying: “There’s a little bit of a taunt of his own — straight back at ya’, Patty Voss. That’s gold… got to embrace it.”
While Demons captain Max Gawn added: “Harry Petty, look, he’s copped a lot of flak for a lot of years — there was a rumour we should have traded him for high draft picks.
“Harry Petty is a star. He’s playing some unbelievable footy for us as a tall forward.
“He can swing back like he did late… and then went forward and took a mark. He’s an unbelievable player. Him, van Rooyen and (Matt) Jefferson are setting us up really well.”
But some fans on social media were unhappy with Petty’s jibe.
Footy supporter O’Brien said: “Harrison Petty patting himself on the head and taunting was not a good look.”
Jan Cattermole exclaimed: “Harrison Petty — what a t****r!”
S — cama added: “Does he want to cry about it?!!!”
And Yze’s Cubs said: “Harrison Petty is just a bit of a p***k isn’t he?”