Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley has put players around the competition on notice for "manipulating" rules to win free kicks.
With teammate Charlie Cameron set to front the Tribunal on Tuesday night for his dangerous tackle on Melbourne's Jake Lever, Dunkley believes players are getting good at exaggerating the effects of opposition tackles.
The 27-year-old jokingly admitted his teammates do it but believes the AFL should look at it.
Charlie Cameron has received a one-game suspension for this incident involving Jake Lever.
Details: https://t.co/zJgQDEzwR8 pic.twitter.com/Pc7X14EGyE
— AFL (@AFL) April 12, 2024
"It's hard these days with free kicks and whatnot being paid," Dunkley said on Tuesday.
"At times, I feel like opposition players, and we do the same, you get tackled and your head hits the ground and you try and get a free kick because that's going to put you in a position to move forward.
"I feel like, it may not be in this instance (Cameron-Lever example), but other instances where players are trying to manipulate that and get free kicks, which is hard when you look at instances like this because sometimes they can assist the tackle where the action's there.
"Those little things should be looked at."
Following a poor start to the season, Chris Fagan has steadied the ship, winning their past two clashes against the Dees and North Melbourne.
Dunkley feels some key players' form has spiked, including Cam Rayner, whose inspired move to the midfield is likely to stay.
"I feel like our last three weeks our pressure has been really good," Dunkley said.
"It's been really promising (what we've produced) and continuing to build on that is going to be important for us going forward.
"The even contribution across the group has been really good and the other night, Lachie didn't have as good a game as he'd like but other guys stand up like 'Hughy' and Cam Rayner was really impressive for us.
"So it's nice when someone isn't outperforming themselves, that someone else stands up."
A return to the way Brisbane played throughout 2023 was evident against Melbourne last week, and Dunkley believes that the work behind the scenes will put them in good stead going forward.
"I don't think we look at the outcome, it's more about the process," the former Dog said.
"For us, it's about getting in here (club) and doing the work, because you know if we do that, it'll come out on the weekend.
"The belief is there that our system still stacks up and can beat anyone in the competition."
The Lions will host Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday.
