- Hawthorn beat Western Bulldogs in elimination final
- The Prime Minister is a long-term supporter of the AFL club
- Football fans are not happy with their spending on the team
Australian Prime Minister and die-hard Hawthorn fan Anthony Albanese has been accused of playing favourites after being spotted in the Hawks sheds following their elimination final win on Friday.
This comes just months after ground was broken on a $100 million construction project that will provide the AFL club with a new training facility in Melbourne’s south-east.
The project is being funded by the club, the local council, $30 million from the Federal Government and a further injection of $15 million from the Victorian State Government.
The Hawks defeated the Western Bulldogs in Friday’s elimination final in stunning fashion to secure their first finals win since capturing the third leg of their championship treble in 2015.
And Albanese was seen beaming in the sheds after the win with his Hawthorn scarf around his neck, conducting interviews and taking photos with players.
“A great crowd, a great atmosphere and a great game,” the Prime Minister said in an interview with Channel 7’s Brian Taylor after the match.
‘They’re just young lads having fun and playing amazing football.
‘We were down by two goals at the end of the first quarter, but they held on and were incredible.
‘You could feel the atmosphere on the pitch, around the ‘G, it was an incredible night.’
Premier Anthony Albanese with Hawks star Calsher Dear after the elimination final
The first phase of the Hawks’ new facility includes an MCG-sized arena and oval where AFLW matches will be played.
While these were happy days for Hawthorn supporters, including the Premier, many hard-pressed football fans were unimpressed with the money being lavished on the Hawks.
“How much taxpayers’ money did he spend?” asked one football fan.
“Is Albo going home and sleeping in a tent or is that just for working class Aussies?” asked another.
“You flew in to watch a football match, huh? Worth the money! Nope!” posted another.
“We should probably solve the cost of living problem instead of invading football,” added another.
This comes after Channel 9 personality Tony Jones criticised the Prime Minister for appearing with the Hawks in the sheds during the regular season, singing the team song with the players.
“He’s not interested in the AFL. And there he was… with the scarf… just go away.
“Seriously, when will prime ministers learn to stay in their lane, and that’s usually in the House of Representatives?”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Prime Minister for comment.
Hawks star Will Day is racing against 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 heavy favourites for their semi-final against Port Adelaide on Friday night.
Hawthorn could get Will Day back for their trip to Adelaide, but the star midfielder remains a doubt after injuring his collarbone against Richmond three weeks ago.
“He’s running around but he’s not making any contact at this stage,” trainer Sam Mitchell said.
‘I was happy that we won, so this gives him a chance.
‘We’ll have some training sessions on Monday and Tuesday and we’ll see how he progresses.’