'Take action': AFL coach's cryptic leadership message for PM
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has used social media to issue what is being seen my many as a backhanded call to leadership for Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The prime minister has come under fierce criticism for the Federal government’s response to the devastating blaze, but Buckley appeared to be a touch more cryptic with his criticism.
Without mentioning the prime minister or the fires, Buckley tweeted a message about leadership that resonated with many fans on social media.
“Leadership is hard. Put your hand up and accept what could have been done better, by you and by others,” Buckley wrote.
“Then accept the vitriol, the hurt and the pain.
“Listen, understand and empathise. Then take action.
Leadership is hard. Put your hand up and accept what could have been done better, by you and by others. Then accept the vitriol, the hurt and the pain. Listen, understand and empathize. Then take action. Firstly for today and then for tomorrow.
— Nathan Buckley (@ncb_cfc) January 3, 2020
“Firstly for today and then for tomorrow.”
More than 11,000 people liked or shared the post, with many die-hard footy fans forgetting about old rivalries to unite behind Buckley’s call for action.
Never thought I'd see the day, as a Dons fan, of agreeing with a Collingwood legend...
Bravo.— Nick Squillari (@N_Squillari) January 3, 2020
Well said Nathan, but part of the problem is some people lack empathy. You certainly don’t 👍
— Cheryl Critchley (@CherylCritchley) January 3, 2020
Absolutely hated you as a player, but as a person, coach & leader you seem legitimately top shelf.
Well said.— Billy Zarbos (@BilyZarbos) January 3, 2020
— Nick Squillari (@N_Squillari) January 3, 2020
The PM has come under fire for a variety of reasons as fires burned in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia over Christmas and New Years.
As the government has organised the deployment of Army Reservists alongside state volunteer firefighting services, athletes from a variety of sports have come together for various fundraising efforts throughout the busy Australian sporting summer.
Athletes unite for bushfire fundraising effort
Nick Kyrgios kick-started fundraising efforts, pledging $200 for every ace he hits throughout the ATP Cup, with Tennis Australia following suit soon after and announcing a one-off fundraising event during the Australian Open.
Krygios' plans for a massive fundraising effort for bushfire victims has resulted in a tennis exhibition match set to feature some of the world's top players.
NBA prospect and Illawarra Hawks star LaMelo Ball has pledged to donate a month of his NBL salary to the ongoing firefighting and recovery efforts on the NSW South Coast.
“It's sad to see what is happening on the South Coast of Australia," Ball said.
“People have lost their homes and everything they own.
“My parents taught me to help out wherever I can, so this is my way of helping out.”
The teenage NBA hopeful was widely praised for the move, while NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the league would also be contributing to fundraising efforts.
