An extraordinary all-in brawl broke out between Gold Coast and Collingwood on the stroke of half-time, with veteran Brayden Maynard making contact with an umpire. The incident occurred after Bailey Humphrey kicked a goal in the final minute of the second quarter following a questionable free kick.
How the brawl started
The tension began with players jostling in the background, including captains Nick Daicos and Noah Anderson. However, things escalated when an unsuspecting Maynard was crunched by Ben Long after the goal. Maynard, who was fronting up to Humphrey, was caught completely unaware as Long came in from the side with a brutal hit to the ribs. Maynard took a while to get up as players from all angles rushed in to remonstrate.
The situation briefly diffused as the ball went back to the middle, but it reignited as soon as the half-time siren sounded. Maynard, who appeared to say “you are in trouble,” charged towards Long. As he approached his target, he pushed away an umpire who was in the vicinity, making contact with the official.
Commentary and reaction
Commentator Anthony Hudson said, “This is out of control. The umpires can’t do anything.” Jason Dunstall added, “There are gonna be so many fines coming out of this. Ben Long and Brayden Maynard would love nothing more than to go at it.”
The umpire contact is a massive point of contention. North Melbourne great David King, speaking at half-time, said, “This could be the dumbest thing we’ve seen for the year. The umpires are a no-go zone, we talk about protecting them at all costs. This is irresponsible and it’s a month for me.”
Potential consequences
King suggested a potential month-long ban for Maynard, given the strict rules protecting umpires. The AFL is expected to review the incident, with fines and suspensions likely for multiple players involved in the brawl.
