Playing favorites? Footage shows Anthony Albanese in the Hawks’ sheds after the diehard fan was beaten up for paying $30 million to the club
- Hawthorn defeated Western Bulldogs in elimination final
- PM has been a long-time supporter of the AFL club
- Football fans are unhappy with his spending on the team
Australian Prime Minister and avid Hawthorn supporter Anthony Albanese has been accused of playing favourites after he was spotted in the Hawks’ sheds on Friday following their final victory.
It comes just months after ground was broken on a $100 million construction project that will see the AFL club create a new training centre in Melbourne’s south-east.
The project is being funded by the club, local government, $30 million from the federal government and a further $15 million from the Victorian state government.
The Hawks defeated the Western Bulldogs in stunning fashion in the knockout stages on Friday to record their first finals victory since completing the third chapter of their Premier League hat-trick in 2015.
And Albanese was spotted beaming in the shed after the win, his Hawthorn scarf around his neck as he conducted interviews and took pictures with players.
“Great crowd, great atmosphere and great game,” the Prime Minister said in an interview with Channel 7’s Brian Taylor after the match.
‘They are just young guys having fun and playing incredible football.
‘We were two goals down at half-time but they hung on and were just fantastic.
‘You could feel the atmosphere all over the grounds, at the ‘G’. It was a great night.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Hawks star Calsher Dear after the elimination final
The first phase of the new Hawks facility includes a pavilion and MCG-sized oval track, which will host AFLW matches
While it was a happy time for Hawthorn supporters, including the Prime Minister, many struggling football fans were unimpressed with the money being spent on the Hawks.
“How much tax money has he spent?” asked one football fan.
“Is Albo going home to sleep in a tent or is that just for Australian workers?” asked another.
‘Flown in for a football match huh? You get what you pay for. Not!’ posted another.
‘Probs need to tackle the cost of living instead of taking over football,’ added another.
This came after Channel 9 personality Tony Jones criticised the Prime Minister for appearing in the sheds with the Hawks during the regular season and singing the team song with the players.
‘He has no interest in AFL. And there he was… he’s got the scarf around him… just go away.’
‘Seriously, when will prime ministers learn to stay on your turf, which is normally the House of Representatives.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Prime Minister for comment.
Hawks star Will Day races against time to be fit for week two of the finals against Port Adelaide
After starting the season 0-5 after finishing 16th last year, Hawthorn are now the heavy favourites for the semi-final against Port Adelaide on Friday night.
Hawthorn could get Will Day back for the trip to Adelaide, but the star midfielder remains a doubt after injuring his collarbone against Richmond three weeks ago.
“He’s running, but he’s not making any contact at this point,” coach Sam Mitchell said.
‘He was happy that we won, so it gives him a chance.
‘We’ll train on Monday and Tuesday and then we’ll see how he progresses.’
