Advertisement

Eagles back staffer after attack on cameraman

Over the top of understandable? Image: AFL.com.au
Over the top of understandable? Image: AFL.com.au

West Coast coach Adam Simpson has backed one of his staff members for pushing a cameraman at Perth airport.

As staffer Peter Staples left a private exit to the airport with the the Eagles’ star ruckman Nic Natanui, Staples approached waiting TV cameras, ordering them to go away, before pushing one cameraman.

Tensions were clearly high in the wake of what has now been confirmed as an ACL tear for Nic Nat, however coach Simpson refused to condemn Staples for his physical reaction.

“It’s one of those ones where you put it into context. We sat at the airport for six hours all up by the time we landed in Perth, it was 12 o’clock at night, we entered and exited in a loading bay area, so not through the public eye,” he told SEN.

“Cameras were there, which, it’s their job. They were asked to leave before the camera started filming, they’d been there for a little bit and then they didn’t.

BOLT SHOCK: Is Usain Bolt set for a shock A-League move?

Over the top of understandable? Image: AFL.com.au
Over the top of understandable? Image: AFL.com.au

“I understand both ends.

“Peter Staples has been so good to Nic. He’s been almost full-time with Nic over the last few years because he’s so giving.

“So for the one time we wanted a bit of privacy, unfortunately we couldn’t get it. That’s the job.

“I’ll back in Peter Staples before anyone else, so I’m comfortable.”

Nic Nat can’t take a trick. Image: AAP
Nic Nat can’t take a trick. Image: AAP

Staples’ treatment of the waiting media was condemned widely on social media, however some back the Eagles staffer, saying it was an emotional moment.

Meanwhile, Simpson is backing Nic Naitanui to return better than ever despite needing a second knee reconstruction.

The Eagles’ worst fears were confirmed on Monday when scans showed Naitanui had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Naitanui took more than 18 months to recover from the ACL tear in his left knee, meaning he could miss the entire 2019 season if his latest recovery takes on a similar time frame.

If that’s the case, Naitanui will be approaching his 30th birthday when he plays again.

But Simpson is optimistic that the Naitanui “journey” will continue.

“Our heart goes out to him. It’s a long road back,” Simpson told Channel 7.

“He spent a good 16, 17 months getting back to fitness (last time). He did make a difference for us for this part of the year.

“He’ll go through the same process, and be back better than ever.”

Simpson said it was important the club didn’t dwell on the injury too long.

“He’s obviously disappointed. But he’s remaining upbeat,” Simpson said.

“I’m sure over the coming days and weeks it will sink in – the work in front of him. But he’s not scared of hard work, and the journey will continue.”

Naitanui suffered the injury in innocuous fashion during the second quarter of Sunday’s win over Collingwood at the MCG.

The injury is a bitter blow to second-placed West Coast, who are well positioned to mount a premiership assault.

Scott Lycett will now be handed the responsibility of leading West Coast’s ruck, with former Cat Nathan Vardy a chance to earn a recall as support.

Naitanui comes out of contract at the end of next year, with any future contracts set to be for significantly less money and length.

Lycett is out of contract at the end of this year, and is now a priority re-signing for West Coast.

Defender Jeremy McGovern and midfielder Andrew Gaff are also coming out of contract.

West Coast (12-4) will be aiming to continue their good form when they take on the Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

With AAP