Legends Assure ‘No Issues Present’ as AFL Coaches Dismiss Sideline Stoush Captured on Camera

AFL legends have weighed in, stating that the coaches of Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney should not face any repercussions for a humorous exchange during their match on Sunday.

During the Giants’ substantial victory over the Magpies at Sydney Olympic Park, television cameras captured a moment between former Richmond colleagues Adam Kingsley and Craig McRae.

Both head coaches were stationed on the sideline rather than in the coaching box.

It was reported that McRae shouted something towards the Giants’ bench after a 50m penalty was awarded against their player, Toby Bedford.

In retaliation, Kingsley pointed at McRae and offered a retort, leading McRae to turn back with a grin and take a seat.

Following the match, McRae dismissed the incident with a chuckle.

“I was just having a laugh with Kingers; he’s an old mate of mine,” McRae explained.

“I was only having a bit of banter, saying ‘we’re coming’, just enjoying the moment. He is a bit more fiery than I am.”

“There’s really nothing to it. If you want to spin it into a story, then it’s a non-story.

“Honestly, we’re both old mates, and I was just having a laugh with him. If it’s perceived as more… we shook hands at the end and I said, ‘I’ll see you next time we face off.’

Kingsley also confirmed the friendship, stating he’s “great mates” with McRae and insisted their exchange was nothing serious.

Nonetheless, it was highlighted in press conferences that Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was penalised $20,000 by the AFL last year for shouting towards Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan, which prompted a verbal retort from Hawks coach Sam Mitchell.

Retired player Jordan Lewis commented that McRae’s remarks, while seemingly playful, may not set a good precedent.

“If it were a different player, it could escalate tensions on the bench,” Lewis noted on Fox Footy.

“Coaches have a responsibility to maintain a level of decorum when on the sidelines.”

Essendon great James Hird saw little wrong with the incident.

“I found it entertaining that when Kingsley pointed at McRae, he quickly sat down,” Hird chuckled on Nine’s Footy Furnace.

“Kingsley’s quite formidable… it adds to the game.

“Does anyone truly get upset watching that? No one was harmed; it’s a bit of theatre, and those two clearly get along well and were just exchanging words.

“There’s no issue here.”

Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel concurred, affirming that coaches should feel free to share light-hearted moments on the sidelines without fear of reprimand.

“It’s a story, but it’s perfectly fine… we constantly ask for coaches and players to show personality,” Bartel acknowledged.

“It was fantastic. We all saw it, we enjoyed it, no one got hurt, and it didn’t affect the game at all.

What’s the problem?”