Collingwood vice-captain Darcy Moore says AFL footballers need to expect a level of intense scrutiny for the good of the game, in a season in which the relationship between players and media has been under scrutiny.

Moore’s teammate Jordan De Goey blamed media in the immediate aftermath of his Bali antics that eventually resulted in a suspended punishment, saying media were “persecuting” footballers.

Moore was also slammed recently after Richmond’s Tom Lynch kicked five goals in one half as the defender’s direct opponent.

When asked about his opinion on the relationship between players and the media, Moore responded by saying there was ‘no simple answer’.

“Are there times when the media probably oversteps the mark or fishes for stories that aren’t there, or probably aren’t as diligent in their research and reporting? Absolutely that’s the case,” Moore told 3AW Football.

“But I don’t think it’s as simple as just saying, ‘it’s always the media’s fault and they’ve got to back off’.

“The reality is, in this city people love football and are interested in football and the storylines that go along with it.

“Whether it’s a good player having a poor half, someone getting injured, or something that goes on off the field, I don’t think that’s going to go anywhere. And that’s probably a net positive for the game because it gets eyeballs and bums on seats and that’s what we all want. We want to build the game.

“At the end of the day … it’s just people doing their job.”

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