‘Lacked Class’: Lloyd Critiques Star Sun’s Post-Match Antics That Frustrated Adelaide

Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has expressed his disappointment with Gold Coast’s Mac Andrew for his behaviour during and after the Suns’ victory against Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.

Throughout the match, Andrew and his opponent Riley Thilthorpe engaged in a physical contest, trading barbs particularly in the final quarter.

Thilthorpe had a standout performance, scoring five goals, while Andrew managed a crucial late spoil that potentially clinched the victory for Gold Coast.

The confrontation continued even after the final siren, with Andrew getting in Thilthorpe’s face, gesticulating and taunting.

“I believed Mac Andrew crossed the line,” Lloyd remarked on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“When Thilthorpe went down and got kneed in the head by Andrew, it clearly hurt. Afterwards, Andrew continued to get in his face, and it was clear he had struggled throughout the day, with Thilthorpe gaining the upper hand.”

“Mac Andrew continued to escalate the situation, and while I don’t mind physicality towards a forward, I felt he showed a lack of class both during that incident and after the game.”

Richmond icon Jack Riewoldt echoed Lloyd’s sentiments, noting that Suns coach Damien Hardwick, who led Riewoldt to three premierships with the Tigers, would likely disapprove of Andrew’s actions.

“On the day, Mac Andrew didn’t earn the right to behave that way,” Riewoldt stated to Fox Footy.

“I find it completely disrespectful, and I doubt that Hardwick would condone it. I believe he would address it firmly.

“I appreciate the mentality of being aggressive and tough, but that doesn’t come across as toughness to me.

“The antics post-siren seem unnecessary. One should be a graceful winner.

“As Daniel Rioli emphasised, we aim to uphold humility. That display certainly doesn’t reflect humility.