Footy fans push back after Caroline Wilson criticises players' on‑air swearing

A wave of social media backlash met Channel Seven journalist Caroline Wilson after she criticised several AFL figures for using the F‑word on live national television following finals matches.

Wilson, speaking on Seven's The Agenda Setters, said the league should intervene after Collingwood players and coach Craig McRae and Hawthorn forward Mabior Chol were heard swearing on the network's post‑match coverage. Collingwood's Nick Daicos also used colourful language after his side's victory over Adelaide.

"Since when did it become acceptable to use the F‑word on national television after a prime time footy broadcast?" Wilson asked on air, saying she was "surprised" by the casual use of swearwords and "stunned" the AFL had not taken action. She described some of the language as "so out of character for Nick Daicos" and said McRae's use of the word "felt almost deliberate." Wilson also referenced the recent Izak Rankine scandal when questioning the league's response.

Wilson said she was "not condemning any of them" but argued the apparent lack of consequences suggested a change in accepted standards. "Most people I spoke to didn't seem to really know about it, so that's how nondescript it was," she added.

Many fans and former players reacted on social platforms to criticise Wilson's stance and defend the use of expletives as an expression of emotion after big matches. One user on X wrote, "More of it please. Shows they are human," while another posted, "Who cares if they swear, Caro." Former AFL player and social media personality Dan Gorringe posted on social media, "The game's fking back and it's fking awesome," and praised Chol's on‑air apology after the third utterance.

Those posts reflected broader sentiment among many supporters that brief swearing in spontaneous post‑match interviews is understandable. Others questioned whether the league or broadcast partners would treat the incidents as a matter for discipline or a reminder about on‑air language standards.

The AFL and Channel Seven had not issued public statements addressing Wilson's comments or announcing any disciplinary action against the individuals she mentioned at the time of her appearance. Wilson's remarks have reopened conversation about on‑air conduct, broadcaster responsibility and how the league should handle high‑profile moments following finals‑series matches.