AFL coaches Adam Kingsley (Greater Western Sydney) and Craig McRae (Collingwood) have garnered attention over an interaction during a recent match, with legends of the game insisting there’s no scandal to address. The episode unfolded during the Giants’ decisive victory over the Magpies at Sydney Olympic Park, where televised cameras captured a playful exchange between the two former Richmond colleagues, who were on the sidelines for the game.
Reports suggest that when Giants player Toby Bedford was penalised with a 50-metre penalty, McRae made a loud remark towards the Giants’ bench. Kingsley responded by directing a gesture at McRae, who then turned around with a smile and sat down. After the match, McRae described their interaction as light-hearted banter, emphasising their camaraderie. He playfully remarked, “I was just stirring him up,” and noted that there was nothing serious about the exchange, highlighting their friendship with a handshake post-game.
Kingsley echoed those sentiments, confirming their close relationship and downplaying the significance of the moment. This amiable exchange comes amidst discussions about the boundaries of coach behaviour on the sidelines, reminiscent of past incidents that have drawn scrutiny, such as Ken Hinkley’s hefty fine for a verbal exchange with another coach last year.
While some former players, like Jordan Lewis, argued that the incident could escalate tensions if directed at other players, others like James Hird and Jimmy Bartel viewed it as harmless. Hird noted that the back-and-forth is a display of personality that adds theatre to the game. Bartel remarked that fans appreciate such moments, advocating for the freedom of coaches to show character without fear of repercussions, stating, “We keep crying out for coaches and players to show personality…what’s the issue?”
In summary, the sideline exchange between Kingsley and McRae is seen as a harmless piece of theatre rather than a cause for alarm, with both coaches affirming their friendship and calling for a relaxed approach to such interactions in the sport.