Channel 7 roasted for Covid-safe Buddy Franklin interview after Swans star kicks 1000th goal

Footy fans mocked Channel 7 for sticking to strict Covid protocols after Buddy Franklin was mobbed for kicking his 1000th AFL goal.

Not everyone could see the sense in this. Photo: Channel 7.

Is this taking Covid precautions a bit too far?

Footy fans have ridiculed Channel 7 for its post-match interview with Buddy Franklin after the Swans star kicked his 1000th career goal on Friday night.

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Franklin became just the sixth person in AFL/VFL history to reach quadruple figures, hitting the incredible milestone during Sydney’s win over Geelong.

The left-footer’s personal achievement caused mayhem at the SCG. Thousands of fans flooded the ground and mobbed Franklin as play stopped for more than 20 minutes in the final quarter.

He spoke to Seven after the game about what the moment meant to him but fans were quick to question the broadcaster for its socially-distanced interview.

Commentator Matthew Richardson wasn’t in the shot as he stayed clear of Franklin, using a long pole to get a microphone near him.

No risks were being taken. Photo: Channel 7.

Ex-AFL stars Kane Cornes and Dane Swan were among those to cringe at the sight, given Franklin had just been mobbed by thousands of people.

Cornes tweeted: “The long Covid proof mic seems a bit ridiculous after he’s just been hugged by 20k strangers.”

Swan wrote: “We are not still using the social distancing microphones are we? Surely ya get Richo next to him. He’s just kicked 1000 for god’s sake and ya stick a 6ft pole in his face.”

The interview made less sense when Seven spoke to more Swans in the rooms later on. But on these occasions, commentators used regular handheld microphones and stood right next to the players, even shaking their hands.

Sports journalist Marc McGowan tweeted: “So it’s OK to stand next to players now but Richo had to use an absurd contraption to interview Buddy and stand 3m away?!”

The long microphones were dropped for other players. Photo: Channel 7.

So channel 7 interview Buddy on an extended mike because, you know, Covid, but after the game Covid ends too 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/T3I7y03TQf

— Derek (@Derek75822721) March 25, 2022

Starting the game needing four goals to hit 1000, Franklin booted one major in the first quarter then two in the third term to keep fans on edge.

Everyone at the SCG was willing Swans players to kick it to Buddy and with less than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the home side duly obliged. Franklin marked near the boundary and lined up for his set shot, nailing the Sherrin through the big sticks to spark pandemonium.

Fans had already climbed over the fence before the ball had touched Franklin’s boot, and they were running towards him before they even knew if he’d kicked truly. But the 35-year-old handled the pressure perfectly to give everyone the dream ending they were hoping for.

“It was an amazing moment, it really was,” Franklin told Seven. “A lot of hard work to get there. Been playing for 18 years. A lot of hard work to get there but I wouldn’t be able to get there without having great teammates around me to provide those assists.”

Asked if he was “freaked out” by the incredible scenes, Franklin added: “I had the taste of Carlton Draught in my mouth from someone. It was an amazing moment. Something I will cherish forever.”

Footy fans engulfed Buddy. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He was mobbed. Photo by Phil Hillyard

What a moment. Photo by Phil Hillyard

How good. (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images for AFL Photos)

Originally published as Channel 7 roasted for Covid-safe Buddy Franklin interview after Swans star kicks 1000th goal