Veteran journo ‘disgusted’ by St Kilda backlash

Veteran footy reporter Caroline Wilson has refused to back down after copping widespread criticism for remarks about St Kilda players Seb Ross and Tim Membrey, slamming “disgusting” accusations of hypocrisy.

Earlier this week, Wilson said she believed fans and sponsors had reason to be upset with Ross and Membrey after they missed a nailbiting six-point loss to Adelaide last weekend for family reasons.

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The pair returned home after a loss to Sydney two weeks ago — Ross to be with his partner who has recently given birth to twins, while Membrey’s partner is expecting.

Wilson questioned their decision to leave when their team’s season hangs in the balance, and revealed some senior St Kilda figures were disappointed the pair had missed the Crows game, having asked them to stay on.

The comments sparked a firestorm within the footy world — Melbourne legend Garry Lyon said Wilson’s criticism left him “speechless”, while Richmond star Jack Riewoldt said her take was “idiotic”.

Meanwhile, AFLPA boss Paul Marsh hit out at the remarks, as did fellow footy journalist Damian Barrett.

Seb Ross.Source:News Corp Australia

Tim Membrey.Source:Getty Images

Speaking on FIVEaa’s Rowey’s Sports Show, Wilson claimed she did not regret reporting the story, arguing it generated meaningful debate among the footy community.

“I’m sorry if some people in Seb Ross’ family feel that they’ve been unfairly targeted,” Wilson said on Thursday.

“I said St Kilda supporters and sponsors and members have the right to be a little bit disappointed that their club was without two of its senior leaders last week. I don’t regret saying that.

“I just want to point out that the club, who does understand the personal circumstances, particularly of Seb Ross, wanted him to play. And teammates, who know Seb and know what he’s going through, asked him to play and give them one more week.

“People are saying it’s presumptive of me to think I know what’s going on. Maybe I don’t know as much as his teammates, but surely they know.”

Wilson also blasted those who accused her of hypocrisy after she travelled to Amsterdam earlier this year to see her daughter.

“I’m pretty disgusted that certain people have even referenced my own situation, which was a clear emergency, still unresolved and very tough. That doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to comment on footy, and this is a footy story,” Wilson said.

“St Kilda were struggling to build a team last weekend … I know there was significant angst surrounding Seb Ross’ decision.

“That was a reported story. I reported it, it’s been confirmed again and again by the club … I know the story was right.

“I felt it was a conversation worth having, and it’s a conversation within many footy clubs at the moment.”

Ross released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday evening addressing the furore his family’s been caught up in.

Seb and Marnie Ross, with daughter Charlotte and twin sons Vinny and HenleySource:Supplied

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQLQQ37BDfo/

A post shared by Sebastian Ross (@sebjross)

“He made a lovely heartfelt comment on Instagram last night, but even he says he was torn by this. So if he was torn, then surely I’m allowed to question the decision,” Wilson said.

“It’s inadvertently opened a can of worms because people are now bagging St Kilda.

“I think I’ve raised an important conversation. You can’t say that it hasn’t been a major talking point of the week.

“I’m not here to win a popularity contest. Some people are going to have a crack at me if I say black is black.

“Just because it’s sensitive, I don’t think it’s something we can’t talk about. It’s not the first time I’ve spoken about sensitive issues, and it won’t be the last.”

St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis addressed Wilson’s original comments, telling SEN Radio “there are no misgivings” about the pair’s decision.

“What I will say is that like any organisation that’s in a highly competitive industry, we debate these decisions. But ultimately, once decisions are made, we get behind the players and we give them our support and we get on with our business.

“You can be disappointed, but you can be understanding. I don’t think emotions are mutually exclusive.”

St Kilda has a bye in Round 14 before facing defending premiers Richmond at the MCG on Friday, June 25.

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