- Hawthorn beat Western Bulldogs in elimination final
- PM is long-term supporter of the AFL club
- Footy fans are unhappy with his spending on the team
Aussie PM and diehard Hawthorn supporter Anthony Albanese has been accused of playing favourites after he was spotted in the Hawks sheds after their elimination final win on Friday.
It comes just months after the first sod was turned on a $100million construction project that will deliver the AFL club a new training facility in Melbourne’s south-east.
The project is being funded by the club, local council, $30million from the Federal Government and a further $15million injection from the Victorian State Government.
The Federal funding was allocated by the previous government, not the Albanese government.
The Hawks downed the Western Bulldogs in Friday’s elimination final in stunning fashion to secure their first finals victory since capturing the third chapter of their premiership hat-trick in 2015.
And Albanese was spotted beaming in the sheds after the win with his Hawthorn scarf around his neck, carrying out interviews and getting photos with players.
He had been in Melbourne for the day visiting a childcare centre before attending the football that evening.
‘Awesome crowd, great atmosphere and great match,’ the Prime Minister said in an interview with Channel 7’s Brian Taylor after the game.
‘They’re just young guys having a crack and playng incredible football.
‘Two goals down at quarter time, but they hung in there and were just awesome.
‘You could feel the atmosphere right around the ground, around the ‘G, it was an awesome night.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Hawks star Calsher Dear after the elimination final
Stage one of the new Hawks facility includes a pavilion and an MCG-sized oval, where AFLW matches will be played
While it was happy days for Hawthorn supporters, including the Prime Minister, many footy supporters feeling the pinch were not impressed with the cash being splashed on the Hawks.
‘How much of tax payers money did he spend?’ asked one footy fan.
‘Does Albo go home and sleep in a tent or is that just for working class Australians?’ asked another.
‘Flew in for a footy match eh? There’s value for money. Not!’ posted another.
‘Probs should sort out cost of living rather than invade the footy,’ added yet another.
It comes after Channel 9 personality Tony Jones slammed the PM for appearing with the Hawks in the sheds during the regular season, singing the team song with the players.
‘He has no interest in AFL. And there he was there… he’s got the scarf around…. just go away.
‘Seriously, when will Prime Minister’s learn to stay in your lane and that’s normally in the House of Representatives.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Prime Minister for comment.
Hawks star Will Day is racing the clock to be fit for week two of the finals against Port Adelaide
After starting the season 0-5 following a 16th-place finish last year, Hawthorn will start as warm favourites for their semi-final against Port Adelaide on Friday night.
Hawthorn could regain Will Day for their trip to Adelaide, but the star midfielder remains in doubt after hurting his collarbone against Richmond three weeks ago.
‘He’s running but not doing any contact at this stage,’ coach Sam Mitchell said.
‘He was pleased we won so it gives him a chance.
‘We’ll have some training Monday, Tuesday and see how he’s progressing.’
