Melbourne defender Steven May has been suspended for three matches following a serious collision with Francis Evans during a recent game, igniting a heated debate within the football community. The decision came after the AFL Tribunal found May guilty of rough conduct, resulting in significant injuries to Evans, including a concussion, a broken nose, and a chipped tooth.
The collision occurred on March 30, 2024, at the MCG during a match between Melbourne and Carlton. A biomechanics expert, Daniel Cottam, calculated that May had only 0.56 seconds from the ball’s final bounce to the moment of impact. Cottam noted that May would have needed at least 0.2 to 0.25 seconds to react appropriately. He stated, “The time available to him to perceive and react to a complex scenario is not sufficient for him to adapt and avoid contact.”
Despite May’s assertion that he was certain he would reach the ball first, Tribunal chairman Jeff Gleeson argued that he had ample opportunity to anticipate the situation. Gleeson remarked, “The most he could have hoped was that he would arrive at about the same time as Evans. It was far more likely that he would reach the ball after Evans.”
During the hearing, Gleeson highlighted that Evans had time to position himself to avoid the worst of the impact, indicating that May had sufficient time to alter his course. “May made no attempt to change his path, his body position or his velocity at any time leading up to or in the contest,” Gleeson concluded.
The suspension has significant implications for May and the Melbourne Football Club, as he will miss crucial matches against St Kilda, West Coast, and the Western Bulldogs. The decision sets a strong precedent regarding player conduct during contests for loose balls, particularly when two players arrive nearly simultaneously.
Carlton captain Patrick Cripps expressed his confusion over what players are expected to do in such situations. Speaking on the “On the Inside” podcast, he remarked, “I felt like both of them were trying to contest the ball. You never want to see a player get injured, but I don’t understand what we want players to do. If that’s a grand final and May hesitates and Franky gets the ball, what do you do?”
The AFL community remains divided on the matter, with many supporting the Tribunal’s decision as necessary for player safety, while others feel it places unfair constraints on players’ instincts during gameplay. As the discussion continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of players while maintaining the competitive spirit of the sport.
