Justin Langer embarked on a hug-fest charm offensive in Perth on Wednesday, but there was barely anyone there to see it.
A crowd of just 10,929 rocked up for the opening day of the first Test between Australia and the West Indies at Optus Stadium.
Given the stadium has a capacity of 60,000, the vast array of empty seats made for ugly viewing.
The low crowd came on the back of just 10,406 fans rocking up for Australia's third ODI against England at the MCG on November 22.
Perth hasn't played host to Test cricket since 2019, and it seems the hiatus hasn't fed the appetite for its return.
There were just a few thousand fans in the stadium when Langer walked out onto the field as part of his pre-match duties with the Seven Network.
Just how the Australian players would receive his presence was a huge talking point leading up to that moment.
The ghosts of Langer's messy departure as Australia coach resurfaced last week following the airing of a podcast in which he expressed his frustration at how things panned out.
Langer used the word "coward" to describe the people who aired their grievances to the media as anonymous sources instead of saying their gripes to his face.
The 52-year-old later explained he wasn't referring to players when he made that comment.
Despite that clarification, questions still burned as to whether there was a rift between Langer and the player group.
Langer did his best to dispel any doubts on Wednesday morning by warmly embracing players one by one while out on the field.
Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Green were among the throng of players who hugged and chatted to Langer.
Some players even went out of their way to come across and embrace their former coach.
Langer spoke glowingly about his former team when asked about the recent headlines.
"Perception and reality. Perception often sells newspapers, the reality is these are like my little brothers," Langer said on the broadcast.
"I love Australian cricket and I love being back and seeing the boys. I haven't seen them for nine months."
Langer said his interaction with the players on Wednesday went as planned.
"There was lot of build up to it. It is exactly how I was expecting it to be today," Langer said.
"I've said it all along, they are like my little brothers.
"I mean I was with the guys for four years, I loved every minute of coaching Australia.
"We celebrated together, we came back from sandpaper-gate together, we came back through COVID together, we won the World Cup. We won The Ashes together.
"I've got great relationships with every one of these guys."
