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Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley cleared over his fist bump interaction with fan at Adelaide Oval

The West Australian
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VideoCollingwood has strengthened their place in the AFL top 8, after surviving a fright against last-placed Adelaide.

Nathan Buckley has taken to social media to defend himself after a potential second COVID breach following last night’s win over Adelaide.

Buckley was caught on camera interacting with a fan in the crowd, and after pulling out of a handshake, he fist bumped the Adelaide Oval patron.

Journalist Sam Landsberger today described the action as a “$75,000 handshake” and questioned if the move would cost Collingwood premiership points, given the AFL’s hefty penalties in place.

But Buckley, already on thin ice with the AFL after he and assistant Brenton Sanderson breached strict COVID protocols in Perth by playing tennis with former Aussie ace Alicia Molik, quickly shot down reports he could have cost his club dearly.

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The moment Nathan Buckley interacted with the fan.
Camera IconThe moment Nathan Buckley interacted with the fan. Credit: FoxSports

“Sam, it was a fist bump and here is the story behind it... I can’t remember his name but I know his face,” Buckley tweeted.

The Game AFL 2024

“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.”

An AFL spokesman confirmed Buckley had not done anything wrong after reviewing the vision.

A second COVID breach would leave Collingwood liable for another fine of up to $75,000 under AFL rules, plus the suspended $25,000 from the first offence.

Third offences can result in the loss of premiership points and draft picks.

Hawthorn, Carlton, North Melbourne and Richmond are in the same situation as Collingwood with one breach apiece.

Buckley and Sanderson have committed to paying their $50,000 tennis match fine - $25,000 suspended - for the earlier COVID breach in Perth.

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