Footy legend Nathan Buckley divides footy fans with strong statement on why he’s backing the Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament
- Nathan Buckley supports the Yes vote
- Says voting yes is the only way
- Many fans dismiss the AFL legend
Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has divided footy fans by throwing his support behind the Voice to Parliament, yet another high-profile celebrity showing support for the Yes campaign.
A short video of the AFL great being interviewed by Indigenous rapper Adam Briggs was posted to social media on Monday, with Buckley explaining his reason for backing the campaign.
“A No is final, a No is safe, a No is scary,” Buckley explained.
‘Yes it is possible. Yes is open-minded, open-minded. And I don’t know how parliament will function. I don’t know how the Voice will work…’
“But I trust we will continue to make progress to give First Nations people more voice and agency to bridge the gap and improve conditions.
Nathan Buckley (pictured with partner Brodie Ryan at this year’s Brownlow Medal ceremony) said he believes the yes vote is the only way forward
“So I guess Yes is the only way, because I don’t know where No will take you.”
Buckley reposted the clip to his X account, with the statement: “Honored to have @Briggs reach out for this chat. Yes, it seems logical to me to acknowledge what we know to be true. Then the work starts again.’
His endorsement, which comes just days after that of NRL star Nathan Cleary, has sparked backlash from some fans and support from others.
‘This is so sad. What a load of BS,” one X user replied.
“More celebrities having no impact whatsoever,” said another.
“We see all the rich celebrities voting ‘Yes’ but unfortunately for you the public doesn’t,” a third replied.
A fourth added: “We’re all struggling. Not just indigenous people.”
Some of Buckley’s fans thanked him for his stand and his support of the Yes campaign.
Buckley’s support of the Yes campaign divided his followers on social media
Buckley (pictured during his playing days at Collingwood) joins a host of sports stars who have backed the Indigenous Voice to Parliament
‘Good Onya Bucks, great clips – honest, open minded, candid and common sense. Vote YES,” one person wrote.
“Great job Bucks… good to see you’re going to talk to the community,” said another.
“Thanks for your plea Nathan,” a third replied.
In 2022, Buckley opened up about racism in the AFL following allegations from ex-Magpies star Heritier Lumumba about his behavior during the former player’s time at the club.
The ex-Magpie also hit Buckley and former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire with accusations that they knew about issues with racism at the club but concealed them, and that Buckley scapegoated him over the issue.
“I think there’s a lot of work to be done on racism across the board, not just in sports,” Buckley said at the time.
The big Pies join a host of sports stars, past and present, who have supported Indigenous Voice in Parliament.
In the NRL it is endorsed by current Indigenous superstars including Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, and retired greats such as Jonathan Thurston.
The AFL grand final’s Norm Smith Medal, the equivalent of the Clive Churchill, was claimed by Collingwood’s Bobby Hill, who along with a number of other current players have already thrown their support behind the Voice.
Retired AFL stars Adam Goodes, Eddie Betts, Michael Long and Michael O’Loughlin also cheered the yes vote.
The Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum will be held on October 14, with Aussies voting on whether to constitutionally enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory body.