Collingwood AFL coach Mick Malthouse isn't backing away from the on-air radio comments that infuriated Melbourne counterpart Dean Bailey.

Malthouse labelled Demons forward Addam Maric a cheat for claiming a disputed goal in a match last weekend, saying it was important players don't falsely claim goals and play the game in the right spirit.

The Collingwood coach was commentating on the match for Melbourne radio station SEN.

When asked about the incident and whether he would like it if one of his players was similarly labelled, Malthouse said: "If he did, he did (cheat). Have a look at it.

"We have an obligation to this game, a massive obligation to this game."

Bailey, whose Demons were belted by 47 points by Carlton, had expressed his anger this week about what Malthouse said.

Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell said Malthouse's comments were meant as part of a wider discussion on fair play in the sport.

"It's been blown out of all proportion. He never mentions any player, it was more a broad opinion on what would happen in that situation," Maxwell said this week.

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