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Nat Fyfe's pre-match handshake backfires

Fremantle star Nat Fyfe’s attempt at sportsmanship backfired on Sunday when he went to greet his opponent.

As the Dockers skipper squared off against North Melbourne’s Ben Cunnington before the opening bounce, the former Brownlow medallist extended his hand in a pre-game gesture of sportsmanship.

Cunnington shook Fyfe’s hand in what appeared to be a friendly exchange.

Nat Fyfe of Fremantle shakes hands with Ben Cunnington of North Melbourne. Pic: AFL
Nat Fyfe of Fremantle shakes hands with Ben Cunnington of North Melbourne. Pic: AFL

But a split second after the handshake was over, Cunnington sent Fyfe stumbling with a shove to the chest.

He appeared taken aback with the greeting but set himself up for the opening bounce quickly.

Fyfe ended up on the winning side, too, with Fremantle trouncing the Roos by 82 points.

‘Dysfunctional’ display

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has promised to launch a forensic review after watching his team put in a “dysfunctional” display in their shock loss to the Dockers.

The Kangaroos were billed as a serious finals contender heading into round one, but their fans will now be fearing a season of pain following the team’s horrendous showing against Fremantle on Sunday.

Simple skill errors cost North Melbourne dearly in the 21.15 (141) to 9.5 (59) shellacking, with their defence unable to stand up to Fremantle’s torrent of 68 inside 50s.

The loss was further compounded by a suspected ACL injury to defender Ed Vickers-Willis, and a potential suspension to midfielder Ben Cunnington for his off-the-ball punch to the belly of Nathan Wilson.

North Melbourne host a rejuvenated Brisbane Lions next Sunday, and can ill afford to put in another error-riddled display.

Scott said the team’s performance against Fremantle was a huge concern, but believed it was out of character.

Nevertheless, he has promised to pick apart the performance, and perhaps wield the axe in favour of youth.