Match review
Opinion
AFL 2024
As confusion rules in the AFL, there is urgent need for a rewrite
In trying to minimise concussion, the AFL has tied itself into knots and the players are tripping over them. There is an urgent need for a fresh look.
- by Greg Baum
Latest
AFL Briefing
AFL 2024
‘Genuinely confused’: AFLPA hits out at tackling bans; Saint gets six matches for homophobic language
St Kilda’s Lance Collard has been suspended for six games for using homophobic language while playing in the VFL, while Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford will continue to fight against the three-match bans they received for tackling offences.
- by Andrew Wu, Marnie Vinall and Peter Ryan
Opinion
AFL 2024
Were these AFL bans correct, or the suspensions that broke footy?
Debate is raging over the three-match bans upheld by the AFL tribunal for Toby Bedford and Charlie Cameron’s tackles. Is the reaction hysterical hand wringing, or is the game under threat?
- by Jon Pierik and Peter Ryan
AFL Briefing
AFL 2024
How Essendon could benefit from the rule that gave Jamarra to the Dogs; three-match bans stand for Cameron, Bedford
Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford have both failed in their bids to overturn three-match bans for rough conduct, while Essendon could benefit from a rule tweak come draft time.
- by Jake Niall and Peter Ryan
AFL Briefing
AFL 2024
Bedford, Cameron handed three-match bans; fears grow over the return of ‘the chicken wing’
Lions star Charlie Cameron and Giants tagger Toby Bedford have been handed three-match bans. Meanwhile, Leigh Matthews is among those concerned at the increased prevalence of the “chicken wing” tackle.
- by Jon Pierik and Vince Rugari
Why a player suspended for seven matches this year is still eligible to win the Brownlow
Isaac Heeney can’t win the Brownlow after an off-ball incident with St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster. But, ironically, Webster – who was handed a seven-match ban earlier this year – is still eligible to win the coveted award.
- by Peter Ryan
Hawks coach backs Simpson to return; Swans defend ‘unlucky’ Heeney
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell and Kangaroos counterpart Alastair Clarkson hope Adam Simpson finds a way back into the AFL system when the time is right.
AFL Briefing
AFL 2024
Simpson not coaching but will say goodbye to fans; Swans to appeal Heeney decision
West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson has decided against a farewell game as coach; Sydney will challenge the tribunal decision to uphold Isaac Heeney’s one-match ban at an appeals board hearing on Thursday, while Collingwood forward Josh Carmichael has retired at just 24.
- by Amelia Nordio, Peter Ryan, Jonathan Drennan and Danny Russell
Opinion
AFL 2024
A knee-jerk reaction is no answer to a backhander
Isaac Heeney’s suspension has once again prompted calls for a loosening of the criteria for Brownlow Medal eligibility. Those calls should be resisted.
- by Greg Baum
One player has copped $14,375 in fines this year. The AFLPA wants changes
Players have told the AFLPA they are being stung by excessive fines, disproportionate to their indiscretions, and want transparency to show how the money is being spent by the league.
- by Andrew Wu
‘You can’t tackle someone like that’: Concussion expert takes aim at Dangerfield call
A leading concussion expert has hit out at the AFL tribunal’s decision to overturn Patrick Dangerfield’s one-match suspension, but the coach trying to stop the Cats captain this week agreed with the call.
- by Jon Pierik and Scott Spits