Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Brayden Maynard umpire contact became the major talking point after Collingwood edged Gold Coast 15.14 (104) to 15.8 (98) in a tense AFL clash at People First Stadium on Saturday.
The Magpies held on after Ben Long’s late goal cut the margin to six points with 24 seconds left, before Nick Daicos won a high-tackle free kick to help close out the final stoppages.
The drama came on another busy AFL weekend, with Melbourne stunning Hawthorn in Tasmania in one of the round’s other major results.
Maynard Faces Tribunal Concern
Maynard could be sent straight to the AFL Tribunal after placing both hands in umpire Nick Brown’s back while trying to reach Long at halftime.
The incident followed a fiery clash moments earlier, when Long hit Maynard in the ribs with a swinging arm after a Gold Coast goal.
That sparked a heated melee involving several players, with Billy Frampton’s jumper torn as Maynard stayed down in pain.
When the halftime siren sounded, Maynard ran toward Long, with Brown standing between the pair before the Collingwood vice-captain nudged the umpire aside.
Magpies Hold On Late
Collingwood’s third straight win lifted their season record to 8-1-7, while Gold Coast slipped to a sixth consecutive defeat and now sit at 7-9.
Daicos was again central for the Magpies, finishing with 30 disposals, eight clearances and one goal.
Tim Membrey and Dan McStay kicked three goals each for Collingwood, while Ben King and Bailey Humphrey also finished with three apiece for Gold Coast.
Reactions Follow Heated Clash
"It could be the dumbest thing we've seen for the year," North Melbourne legend David King said in the Fox Sports coverage.
"The umpires are a no-go zone.
"This is irresponsible, and it's a month for me."
"If you're going to come hit me cheaply, you're going to get something back," Maynard said after the match.
"It's all part of the game. I didn't mind it really. I think I might have a broken rib."
Collingwood coach Craig McRae added: "I wasn't happy with a guy getting hit off the ball."
Official AFL match and tribunal updates can be followed through AFL.
