Buckley backs Series sanctions

FORMER Australian captain Nathan Buckley supports the sanctions that have been put in place to compel players to adhere to the rules.

Now a selector with new manager Mick Malthouse, he agrees that every player needs to be answerable for his behaviour on the field.

“In the end, it reflects not just on themselves but the team they represent, the AFL in general and every Australian — because once you put on that coat of arms (jersey) you are representing your country,’’ Malthouse said yesterday. “We believe that the relationship between the two nations and the two codes needs to be fostered and encouraged and we believe in making individuals accountable for their actions, and they will be if they go outside the premise set both by the GAA and us.’’