AFL superstar's surfing photo sparks police investigation

A photograph of Fremantle AFL captain Nat Fyfe surfing in Margaret River has caused a stir given Western Australia's strict intrastate travel ban, as a further 14 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the state on Thursday.

The AFL club says Fyfe had been driving a truck for his father’s business and had been in the region when he stopped for a surf.

‘MY HERO’: AFL star's devastating tribute to missing brother

‘GET ON WITH IT’: AFL great hits out at Patrick Dangerfield

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said police would investigate the matter, however Fyfe was reportedly cleared of any wrongdoing later on Thursday.

“On the face of it, I think there are questions to be answered,” Mr Dawson said.

“An essential service is not surfing unless you're a professional surfer.”

Premier Mark McGowan said it was “not a good look” but it was up to police to determine if there had been a breach.

A Fremantle spokesman said the Dockers captain had no case to answer and that Fyfe was allowed to be surfing for exercise.

“Nat is working for his family transport business which involves being approved to move between regions,” he said.

“He was in Margaret River to pick up a load. He took the opportunity to go surfing which is part of his approved exercise regime.”

14 more cases of coronavirus in Western Australia

The new cases recorded on Thursday bring WA's total to 495, and include two more health workers at Halls Creek in the Kimberley region, which has a large population of vulnerable indigenous people.

There are now 17 cases in the Kimberley in total, 10 of whom are health workers.

“In relation to Halls Creek, we are very confident that we've had no Aboriginal patients or members of the community exposed to those healthcare workers,” Health Minister Roger Cook said while launching a $455,000 mental health campaign focused on self-care during the pandemic.

Seven of the new cases are linked to cruise ships, including four from the Artania, which remains docked in Fremantle with hundreds of crew on board.

Fremantle Ports lists the German liner as scheduled to leave on April 30, well beyond the 14-day quarantine period initially agreed with the federal government, which began on April 3.

The new cases also include three Main Roads employees in the Goldfields region.

There are currently 34 patients in hospital, including 15 in intensive care, while 187 people have recovered.

School holidays officially began on Thursday as Perth weather remained unseasonally warm, but police patrols of popular Cottesloe beach found people being very compliant and supportive of social distancing directives, Mr McGowan said.

The premier has repeatedly warned beaches may be closed if there was widespread disregard of the rules.

He urged people to keep doing the right thing over the Easter break.

“I understand this is no one's ideal Easter long weekend,” Mr McGowan said.

With Yahoo Sports Staff