leather poisoning

English

Etymology

Based on the leather out of which most Australian rules footballs are made, and a humorous "poisoning" someone could suffer if they touch it too much.

Noun

leather poisoning (uncountable)

1. (Australian rules football, humorous) A fictitious disease said to be contracted by a player who accumulates a large number of possessions of the ball.
   • 2016 Andrew McGarry, AFL 2016: From the Grand Final rematch to Boomer Harvey's big day, six matches to watch for this season ABC News, 17 March 2016. Accessed 24 June 2019.

     For eight years Patrick Dangerfield delighted Crows fans, picking up regular leather poisoning while producing a sizable highlights reel and causing opposition teams to scratch their heads on how to stop him.

   • 2019 Lance Jenkinson, Werribee lets another close game slip away Star Weekly, 21 May 2019. Accessed 24 June 2019.

     Tom Gribble had his usual bout of leather poisoning with 35 disposals, while Michael Barlow returned from injury to collect 31 to go with seven tackles.