Peter Dutton’s accidental AFL footy kick blunder and how it unfolded

This is how a cameraman ended up as collateral damage as Peter Dutton had a kick of the footy before it struck his head. SEE THE PHOTOS, WATCH THE VIDEO.

A cameraman has ended up as collateral damage as Peter Dutton had a kick of the footy with some budding AFL stars in Darwin.

The Opposition leader was practicing a few kicks and marks with some junior players from Palmerston Magpies at Cazalys Arena when a Channel 10 cameraman was on the receiving end of a high ball which ended up leaving a cut to his forehead.

The cameraman, Ghaith Nadir, who insisted he was fine, was given a bandage by an attending Australian Federal Police officer.

The ball initially landed on the camera man’s viewfinder and then the viewfinder collided with Mr Nadir’s head, which resulted in the bloody injury.

Mr Dutton was at the arena to pledge $5m to upgrade facilities at the ground.

He initially laughed off the incident saying “that’s your exclusive” before the extent of the injury was revealed.

Asked later if it was his Scott Morrison bulldozer moment - referring to when the then prime minister accidentally knocked over a child while playing soccer during the 2022 campaign - Mr Dutton said he thought the ball was going to be marked.

“I thought for sure he could take that shot, but we’ve got a long way to go on this campaign,” he told Sky News.

“He (the cameraman) is good, I just saw him then and hopefully he can get it dressed shortly but the AFP have done a great job.”

The cameraman said he was “all good”. He later offered to buy him a beer and teach him how to mark the ball next time.

Mr Dutton also joked that he didn’t believe it was a “bad kick”.

“But it was great to be out there with the kids, and I’ve apologised to him, and I hope that it’s all repaired soon, but he’s got a war story now from the campaign,” he said.

“I thought I was kicking pretty well actually… the kids were able to mark well, it was only just slightly off track… I thought I demonstrated pretty good footy skills out there but I do want to make sure he’s OK.”

See the video above and how it unfolded in pictures below.

Peter Dutton plays AFL with kids at Charles University football field on the campaign trail for the 2025 federal election. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

Peter Dutton plays AFL with kids on the football field. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

Peter Dutton plays AFL with kids alongside Jacinta Price. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

Peter Dutton gets ready to kick the ball. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

Peter Dutton is about ot let go of the ball. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

A Channel 10 camera man is accidentally hit in the head by the ball Peter Dutton kickedin Darwin. Picture: NewsWire

Peter Dutton looks on as Channel 10 cameraman Ghaith Nadir is bandaged up at the footy field. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

Peter Dutton chats to Channel 10 cameraman Ghaith Nadir after the accidental knock to the head with his footy. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

A Channel 10 camera man and Peter Dutton after the incident on a bench as he gets medical attention. Picture: NewsWire

Channel 10 cameraman Ghaith Nadir as he receives medical attention. Picture Thomas Lisson / NewsWire

Originally published as Peter Dutton’s accidental AFL footy kick blunder and how it unfolded