If the tribunal accepts Maynard’s lawyers argument and he gets off, money has changed hands. It’s an absurd argument. When Brayshaw’s kicking foot lands Maynard is already a split second from his face. He had no time whatsoever to change direction, he was running straight. The responsibility for the collision is all on Maynard, shame he’s not man enough to admit it.
Brayshaw also has no time to brace for impact once he’s followed through on his kicking action.
This was not two players going up for a ball and one coming off worst. This was one player running with the ball in a straight line and kicking, the other choosing to leave the ground in front of him ensuring a high collision, and then choosing to lead with the bone of his shoulder, ensuring that 100% of the force of the collision would be on his opponent. His opponent who was in a vulnerable position just after kicking and had no time to change direction or even brace himself.
Maynard initiated the collision. I don’t believe him for one second when he says he was surprised to see Brayshaw there on his way down. If that’s true, he needs to stop playing footy and enter a care home.
He made choices, which at best were reckless and at worst carried intent (but we’ll never know that and have to give him the benefit of the doubt).
The AFL have to send a message here.
