Channel 7 commentator Nick Riewoldt involved in minor altercation with AFL fan before Adelaide-Collingwood clash

Channel 7 commentator Nick Riewoldt has been filmed having a minor altercation with a fan in the lead-up to Collingwood’s win over Adelaide on Thursday night.

Riewoldt was preparing to go on camera, alongside Bruce McAvaney when a fan came from behind.

The fan can be heard saying, “Heath Shaw, Heath Shaw ... he’s come up behind him like a librarian” before grabbing the St Kilda champion from behind.

The taunt was in reference to Shaw’s famous smother on Riewoldt in the 2010 AFL grand final replay.

Riewoldt instinctively reacted by pushing the fan away to protect those around him, unaware of how serious the situation might be.

“We absolutely love being out there with the fans and soaking up the atmosphere – it lifts the energy for everyone and creates a richer experience for viewers at home. It’s what makes covering some of the biggest nights of the year so special,” Seven Director of Sport Chris Jones said.

“At the same time, it’s important our team feels safe in those environments. We greatly value connecting with fans, but any physical contact that makes our team feel unsafe in their work environment, isn’t appropriate.

“Nick’s response to the physical contact was a natural, human reaction aimed at protecting those around him.

“We do not condone violence in any form, and ensuring the safety of everyone present is our priority.

“We thank the tens of thousands of fans who welcomed our team and acted respectfully, helping make Seven’s Adelaide Crows v Collingwood match the highest rated AFL game of the 2025 season, so far.”

Meanwhile, more than 2.74 million people tuned in to watch the Magpies’ victory over the Crows on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.

It was the biggest AFL audience this season, with an average national total TV audience of 1.09 million, up 32 per cent on the first qualifying final of 2024.