Brayden Maynard has backed the AFL’s proposed crackdown on smothers that was prompted by the Collingwood defender’s own controversial tribunal case.
Key points:
- The AFL is hoping to tighten tribunal rules on smothers
- Brayden Maynard says players must follow AFL rules
- He was cleared by the tribunal following an incident that left Angus Brayshaw concussed
The lead item on a number of proposed rule changes sent to clubs on Thursday was the AFL’s bid to tighten tribunal rules on smothers.
In September, Maynard appeared at the tribunal in a marathon four-hour hearing after he jumped off the ground to smother a kick from Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw in the qualifying final at the MCG.
Brayshaw was concussed in the incident, ultimately ending his season.
Maynard was cleared and went on to play in the club’s AFL grand final win over the Brisbane Lions.
He said he supported the AFL’s proposed rule changes, which still need to be ticked off by the league’s commission in February.
“Whatever the AFL wants is something that we have to follow,” Maynard said.
“I feel like it’s obviously the right thing to do because everyone’s health is a priority.
“For them to bring out that rule, obviously [I’m] all for it and I’m definitely in favour.”
Maynard said players would have to adapt their playing style to the rule change, but he was confident they would cope.
“It’s a footy act, but the AFL can make rules. You’ve just got to follow them,” he said.
“You can’t argue with them. It is what it is. We’ve just got to move on and play footy.
“We’ve had to adjust to a lot of rules over the years, so we’ll be fine.”
AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
