Anthony Albanese sparks outrage among Aussies after singing Hawthorn Hawks AFL song
Anthony Albanese has been jeered by angry Aussies for his surprise post-match appearance in the Hawthorn AFL club dressing room.
The Prime Minister was filmed standing close with Hawks players singing the club team’s song after their big win against St Kilda at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on Saturday.
Television cameras zoomed in on the Labor leader proudly wearing a Hawks scarf as players shouted for him to join the post-match celebrations.
While the players seemed to appreciate Mr Albanese’s performance, many Aussies were far from impressed.
Albanese later shared a collage of photos from his afternoon at the football club, sparking outrage as voters called on him to turn his attention to Australia’s pressing cost of living crisis ahead of Tuesday night’s federal budget.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) sang along to the Hawthorn team song after their win against St Kilda on Saturday
“People are struggling to pay the bills and this guy is talking about the footy,” said one.
“The last time you were in Tassie I remember you being heckled with ‘let’s talk about housing Prime Minister’ and you couldn’t run away fast enough. It’s gotten worse since then and here you are, back in selfie mode. God you’re not inspiring,” said another.
A third wrote: ‘Your priorities suck!’
Albanese’s visit followed a controversial announcement earlier this year in which the federal government committed $65 million to expand the stadium.
The decision was made following an identical commitment from the Tasmanian government in January, bringing total expansion funding for the stadium to $130 million.
The Tasmanian Devils will become the 19th team to enter the AFL in 2028.
Mr Albanese said of his weekend trip: “Tasmanians love their football. You could feel the energy in Launceston today.
“It’s one of the reasons I’m so proud that we’re helping to upgrade UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
“A great win for the Hawks today.”
Mr Albanese is a regular AFL observer, unlike the NRL where he is a South Sydney Rabbitohs die-hard.
Angry voters told Albanese (centre) to focus on the cost of living rather than football
Channel Nine personality Tony Jones (pictured) said of the photos: ‘Albo, you’re not an AFL fan. Stay out’
Channel Nine personality Tony Jones joined the mass outrage on The Sunday Footy Show.
“I almost got sick yesterday watching the Hawthorn club anthem and it featured the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese,” he said.
“He has no interest in AFL. And there he was there… he has the scarf around him… just go away.
‘Seriously, when will the Prime Minister learn to toe the line and that is normally in the House of Representatives.’
Jones summarized: “Albo, you are not an AFL fan. Stay out.’