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Re: Nic Nat's Dunk
bad camera angle, hard to really see how high he actually gets upComment
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Re: Nic Nat's Dunk
Eagles bring Nic Nat back to earth
Star West coast ruckman Nic Naitanui has been counselled over the basketball slam-dunk stunt that drew condemnation from certain AFL quarters.
Naitanui, 21, was caught on camera completing an impromptu slam dunk during half time of last weekend’s Perth Wildcats match, leaping over a court announcer in the process.
The show of athleticism that spawned into a viral online sensation attracted criticism from several high-profile AFL commentators and figures, with three-time premiership coach Mick Malthouse among those to label Naitanui’s actions as unprofessional.
The young Eagle will play his first match of the year against St Kilda in Saturday’s NAB Cup clash at Patersons Stadium.
It will be his first competitive hit-out following off-season shoulder surgery, with critics of his slam dunk claiming he had risked serious injury in carrying out the stunt.
Eagles coach John Worsfold said Naitanui had been given counselling by the club over how to handle himself in such situations.
But he stressed he would back the young ruckman’s judgement.
“I suppose I was like anyone initially,” Worsfold said.
“I thought it was pretty impressive, but there’s also some education of the players just to be aware.
“It wasn’t a planned thing, it was something off the cuff.
“It was something that Nic didn’t see much risk in it because I’m tipping he’s done a couple before.
“His assessment at the time was ‘what’s the possibility of being injured doing that? No possibility at all’ and I back his judgement on that.
“But he has been counselled about how to prepare for being maybe thrown those opportunities.”
Worsfold played down concerns that Naitanui had taken a risk in terms of potential injury.
“I saw a risk for the bloke with the microphone, the court announcer,” Worsfold said.
“He was probably at most risk.”
Four other Eagles will play their first pre-season matches against the Saints.
Vice-captain Beau Waters has been named in their squad alongside Matt Rosa, Adam Selwood and Sam Butler.
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Re: Nic Nat's Dunk
Trust an old fogey like Mick Malthouse to put a downer on this one.Comment
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Re: Nic Nat's Dunk
It's a wonder things like this aren't in his contract? I always remember Michael Jordan "living it up" once he retired because it was stated he couldn't ride motorbikes etc. while under contract. He even said that sort f stuff wasn't even hidden, they put it in the front in big bold writing.Comment
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