Fremantle and Geelong’s CEOs have engaged in a back and forth after Cats boss Steve Hocking’s shot at young gun Jordan Clark, who was traded from the Cats to Freo.
Despite having a year to run on his deal, the 21-year-old defender requested a trade to his home state, with his wish eventually granted despite some haggling between the two parties.
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Following the trade, Hocking seemingly took a jab at Clark’s work ethic, saying Geelong’s younger players “have to do the work”.
“If you do get an opportunity, you need to grab it with both hands and push past some of those experienced players,” he told 3AW’s Sportsday.
“I think Melbourne have proven that and are a great example of that. That’s the comment I would make around Jordan Clark.”
Hocking’s comments did not sit well with Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick, who did not mince his words in the retort.
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“He [Clark] is a person of high character, very high talent and just starting out his career,” he told The West Australian.
“We don’t feel it’s appropriate for senior figures at opposition clubs to publicly criticise players that are not on their list.”