- Nathan Buckley supports voting Yes
- Said voting Yes is the only way
- Many fans criticize AFL legend
Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has divided football fans by throwing his support behind Voice to Parliament – offering another high-profile celebrity in support of the Yes campaign.
A short video of the AFL great being interviewed by Indigenous rapper Adam Briggs was posted on social media on Monday, where Buckley explained why he was supporting the campaign.
“A no is definite, a no is sure, a no is scary,” Buckley explained.
“Yes, that’s a possibility. Yes, it’s an open heart, an open mind. And I don’t know how Parliament will work. I don’t know how the Voice is going to conduct its business…’
“But I hope we continue to give First Nations people more voice and more say to bridge the gap and improve conditions.
Nathan Buckley (pictured with partner Brodie Ryan at this year’s Brownlow Medal ceremony) said he believed yes was the only way forward.
“So I think Yes is the only way to go, because I don’t know where No takes you. »
Buckley reposted the clip on his X account, with the statement: “Honored to have @Briggs reach out to have this discussion. Yes, it just seems logical to me to recognize what we know to be true. Then the work begins again.
His support, which comes days after that of NRL star Nathan Cleary, sparked backlash from some fans and support from others.
“It’s so pathetic. What a load of BS,” one X user replied.
“More celebrities who have no impact,” said another.
“We know all the rich celebrities vote yes, but unfortunately for you the public doesn’t vote,” replied a third.
A fourth added: “We are all struggling. Not just the natives.
Some Buckley fans thanked him for taking a stand and supporting the Yes campaign.
Buckley’s support for the Yes campaign has divided his supporters on social media
Buckley (pictured during his playing days with Collingwood) joins a host of sporting stars who have supported the Indigenous Voice in Parliament
‘Good onya Bucks, great clips – frank, honest, open minded, open minded and common sense. Vote YES,” one person wrote.
“Great job Bucks…good to see you talking to the community,” said another.
“Thanks for your plea Nathan,” replied a third.
In 2022, Buckley spoke out about racism in the AFL after allegations from ex-Magpies star Heritier Lumumba over his conduct during the former player’s time with the club.
The ex-Magpie also hit Buckley and former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire with allegations that they knew about racism issues at the club but covered it up, and that Buckley had done so. emissary on this issue.
“I think there is a lot of work to be done against racism at all levels, not just in sport,” Buckley said at the time.
The great Pies joins a host of sporting stars past and present who have supported the Indigenous Voice in Parliament.
In the NRL, he has been supported by current Indigenous superstars including Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, as well as retired greats such as Jonathan Thurston.
The AFL Grand Final’s Norm Smith Medal, the equivalent of the Clive Churchill, was won by Collingwood’s Bobby Hill, who has already declared his support for The Voice along with a number of other current players.
Retired AFL stars Adam Goodes, Eddie Betts, Michael Long and Michael O’Loughlin are also encouraging the Yes vote.
The referendum on the Indigenous voice in Parliament will take place on October 14, and Australians will vote on whether to constitutionally enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory body.
