AFL: Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley shares incredible reason for fist bump
Collingwood Magpies coach Nathan Buckley has shared the fascinating story behind a fist bump which almost cost his club $75,000.
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Collingwood Magpies coach Nathan Buckley has been cleared of breaching the AFL’s strict COVID-19 protocols after he was spotted making contact with a spectator during Tuesday evening’s match against the Adelaide Crows.
After the final siren, Buckley was filmed giving a fan at Adelaide Oval a fist bump, and questions were raised whether he had once again broken the league’s strict coronavirus rules.
However, the Herald Sun’s Sam Landsberger revealed the AFL were satisfied the 48-year-old had not breached the biosecurity protocols, as fist bumps are allowed, but handshakes are not.
Nine News sports reporter Ayrton Woolley explained on Twitter: “The AFL says no case to answer for Nathan Buckley after fist bump with someone he knew, after Crows game last night. But aware crowd interaction not ideal.”
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On Wednesday, Buckley explained there was a deeper meaning behind the fist bump on Twitter.
“I can’t remember his name but I know his face,” Buckley posted.
“Over 20 years ago he said he was watching football in a bar, defended me to a group of patrons, was subsequently set on and bashed losing his sense of taste and smell.
“I simply wanted to acknowledge his presence.
“There are cameras camped around cafes and eateries up here waiting for players to sit down at them.
“I hope we don’t lose sight of our humanity through all of this, greater focus on positive yarns would help everyone.”
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Earlier this month, Buckley and assistant coach Brenton Sanderson played tennis with two people from outside of Collingwood’s bubble, one being former tennis star Alicia Molik.
The club self-reported the breach which resulted in a $50,000 fine being handed down by the AFL, with $25,000 suspended. The AFL indicated a second breach could carry a maximum penalty of $75,000 for the club.
In late June, Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom was handed a four-week suspension after he breached the AFL’s biosecurity protocols.
On Tuesday, Collingwood secured the points against a gallant Adelaide outfit searching for their first win of the season.
The signs looked ominous for the Magpies in the first half as the Crows sat in the driver’s seat, but a second-half surge saw them claim the 10.2 (62) to 5.8 (38) victory at Adelaide Oval.
Currently in seventh spot on the AFL ladder, the Magpies will face the Melbourne Demons at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon for their next fixture.