Latest news with #FoxFooty
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Most generous assessment of the year': AFL's call on Hawk's hit that left Pie concussed
Hawthorn ruck Lloyd Meek has escaped suspension for his late collision with Collingwood's Pat Lipinski on Friday night, which left the winger with a concussion that was expected to be harshly scrutinised under the AFL's controversial MRO guidelines. Despite large concerns that the 27-year-old would be sentenced with a three-game ban, the AFL explained their decision to not suspend Meek. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. 'Lipinski was the target of a kick inside forward 50 with Meek approaching from behind to contest the mark. With his eyes on the ball, Meek attempts to spoil with a straight arm that does not deviate from the line of the ball, and in doing so makes primarily body contact with Lipinski in the marking contest,' the league's statement read. 'It was the view of the MRO that Meek made a genuine attempt to spoil the ball, that his actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances and that he took reasonable care to avoid making forceful high contact to Lipinski in the marking contest. 'Furthermore, it could not have been reasonably foreseen that Lipinski's head would make forceful contact with the ground as a result of Meek's conduct. No further action was taken.' Gerard Whateley, who was calling the game for Fox Footy on Friday night, predicted on SEN that Meek 'won't be suspended (and) I think it'll be the most generous assessment of the year'. 14 minutes before three-quarter time, a piercing kick inside 50 from five-goal hero Jamie Elliott looked to have laced out teammate Lipinski with the Magpies up and about by 38 points on Friday night. But a last-minute decision from Meek to enter the contest from behind — with the star big man only leaving the ground as Lipinski got both hands on the ball. Tempers flared as Lipinski's head hit the turf, with the in-play umpire awarding a 50 metre penalty to the former Bulldog. The 26-year-old wandered into an open goal to kick his second major for the night, before quickly running from the field for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) test; one that he later failed as his side wen on to beat Hawthorn by 51 points. Speaking on Fox Footy at three-quarter time, reporter Jon Ralph was understandably at the time adamant that Meek will be dealt a punishment worth multiple weeks by the Match Review Officer (MRO) come Saturday evening. 'I think it's a three-week ban for Lloyd Meek, I don't think there's any way where he gets off this one,' Ralph said. 'He hits Lipinski high, he's responsible for that contact — even if he hits his head on the ground there. I just don't think that he actually tried to contest that football.' 'I don't think there's any chance he gets off it unfortunately for the Hawthorn fans and the Hawthorn coach in Sam Mitchell.' "I don't think there's any way he gets off this one" @RalphyHeraldSun discusses a potential suspension for Lloyd Meek. ðŸ'° Watch #AFLPiesHawks LIVE on ch.504 or stream on @kayosports: âœ�ï¸� BLOG ðŸ'¢ MATCH CENTRE — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 30, 2025 Ralph elaborated on the incident after the match. 'The problem is ... it was late, and it was high. It doesn't really matter whether it was caused by the late fist to the head, or it was caused by Lipinski's head hitting the ground. He is responsible for all that contact,' he continued. 'I do think it's late enough for a 'rough conduct' (charge). So the concussion means it has to be three weeks, it has to be severe impact. 'If Lipinski gets up, that's probably a low level, $1,500 fine. I think all of us understand that's a real flaw in the system, but that is the system that Michael Christian (MRO) has to operate under. 'I think he's in strife there.' Fox Footy's Friday Night Footy panel dissected Meek's actions further after Ralph's insight, with a unanimous agreement that the act shouldn't see the ruck sidelined until Round 17 after three games and a mid-season bye. 'If the outcome in terms of a concussion is reached, and that becomes a three-week penalty, then that should trigger the AFL to come out and make a change to the way that they legislate against these actions. There should be something in between nothing and three, and it should be done now … they can do it anytime,' Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley said. '(This is a one-week suspension) if anything … it's zero, or one.' Three-time Brisbane premiership player Jonathan Brown added: 'The players should be allowed every right to try to make an attempt on the spoil. I think it's unfair to be expecting players to be absolute, perfect decision (makers). 'I'm happy enough for him to have a sanction, but it shouldn't be three, because that is a player just genuinely doing his best for the team to get there and make a spoil. 'I'm concerned that we will lose a player in the first or second week of a final (for) a grand final — when the whole footy world is going: 'That is unfair'. 'Andrew Dillon has showed tremendous leadership during the week; continue on with that leadership. 'Bang!' Captain's call, this is what we're doing, the whole footy world agrees with it.' Collingwood coach Craig McRae provies injury updates on Lachie Schultz and Pat Lipinksi. ðŸ'° Watch #AFLPiesHawks on ch.504 or stream on @kayosports: âœ�ï¸� WRAP — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 30, 2025 Four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis ended by saying: 'I don't think anyone would argue the point if it was one week, because there's a level of responsibility. But three weeks is just ridiculous.' 'Andrew Dillon has showed tremendous leadership during the week; continue on with that leadership. 'Bang!' Captain's call, this is what we're doing, the whole footy world agrees with it.' Collingwood coach Craig McRae was also asked on the incident post-game, but noted that he'd need to see the vision again before commenting too much on the matter. 'I'll have to watch it (and) see it. Obviously there's a remonstration for the contest… and there's a concussion there now,' McRae told Fox Footy commentator Gerard Whateley. Only on Tuesday evening did Fremantle captain Alex Pearce have a three-week ban overturned at the Tribunal, after his mid-air collision with Port Adelaide's Darcy Byrne-Jones that was a crucial test case for players contesting the ball in incidents which cause a concussion. Lipinski now won't return until at least Round 15, as the league's concussion protocols prevent him from returning for the King's Birthday clash with Melbourne in Round 13, before their club bye the week after.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Lions fight back to deny Essendon the ‘upset of the year'
Brisbane has survived an inspired challenge from injury-ravaged Essendon to climb to the top of the AFL ladder with an 18-point win on Thursday night. It was a brave fightback from the Bombers after coughing up six of the first seven goals of the match at the Gabba. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Young Bomber Nate Caddy's breakout game sparked an Essendon fightback in the third term as the visitors drew level. 'Not a person in Australia would have given them a hope at quarter time,' Fox Footy's Jonathan Brown said. Dubbing it potentially the 'upset of the year' as Peter Wright gave the Bombers the lead early in the fourth, in the end Brisbane's experience got them across the line with a 13.12 (90) to 11.6 (72) victory. The reigning premiers now sit half a game clear of Collingwood, who have a game in hand, and six points clear of the third-placed Suns who have played two less games. 'I think Chris Fagan would be really disappointed about the Lions tonight,' three-time premiership Tiger Jack Riewoldt said. 'They get the points and roll on.' The highlight of the night was Caddy's goal of the year contender in the wet conditions. Only minutes after a horror miss, Caddy more than made up for that effort with a stunning goal. With Jade Gresham keeping the ball alive from the boundary, Caddy was able to gather the footy and instead of attempting to turn around he simply opted to kick the footy over his head. 'It's a miraculous goal from the young man and we're all square at the Gabba,' Fox Footy's Matt Hill said. 'A Thursday night speccy!' The goal ensured scores were level for the first time since early in the first term. 'How good is that?' Riewoldt said. 'He took the big contested mark only about 10 minutes ago and ran into the open goal and missed it. 'I love this. I don't know whether this is conventional, but we love it from this Bombers young gun. 'The kick over the head. He absolutely flushed it. The nous to even think about doing it at that point in time. 'Is this the arrival of Nate Caddy?' It wasn't quite enough for the visitors, but it ended up being a promising performance from the Bombers against the ladder leaders.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Kayo Sports heralds record viewership for expanded AFL coverage
Footy fans are watching AFL in record numbers on Kayo Sports in 2025, with audiences up 25 per cent on 2024 and 3.4 billion minutes streamed already as the season approaches the halfway mark. This year Fox Footy launched dedicated commentary teams, bespoke graphics plus 4K for all games, providing audiences with more choice than ever before and ad-free coverage. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. After 11 rounds it's clear that fans streaming on Kayo Sports are loving the quality and variety that Fox Footy is delivering to Thursday Night Footy up 41 per cent compared to last season led by the all-new calling duo of Matt Hill and Mark Howard supported by in depth analysis from Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King and Leigh Montagna. With Anthony Hudson and Gerard Whateley the new voices of Friday Night Footy, viewing has increased by 30 per cent on Kayo Sports, with the callers teaming up with analysis from host Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley and Jordan Lewis each week. The all-new Super Saturday LIVE, hosted by Kath Loughnan, Jack Riewoldt and King, recorded the season's most-streamed match on Kayo Sports with an average audience of 389,000 for the Collingwood and Geelong Round 8 match with Saturday audiences up 27 per cent overall. The Friday night Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon clash delivered the second biggest audience to date with 381,000 streaming viewers. Steve Crawley, Managing Director Fox Sports, said: 'We have loved the opportunity to bring fans the fresh Fox Footy look and sound, with our graphics and commentary teams, to Thursday and Friday Night Footy for the first time. The numbers tell us we have hit the right note, backed by some quality on-field contests. 'We couldn't be happier with our new calling combinations. You've got Matt Hill, he is new and firing, with Mark Howard, he's the Peter Pan, for Thursday's call. And Fridays is the tried and absolutely first class pairing of Anthony Hudson and Gerard Whateley. Most people who know the game, know they are the best.' Cate Hefele, Executive Director Kayo Sports, said: 'We've seen an incredible surge in Kayo Sports viewing this AFL season, as more and more fans come onto the platform and see the value, plus quality of Fox Footy's coverage. 'What's most pleasing is seeing audience growth across the entire round with fans choosing our dedicated commentary teams, graphics, 4K and no ads during live play. 'These numbers, including the record numbers for Saturday's Round 8 Pies and Cats clash, are helping drive growth across the Foxtel Group, as more fans tune into Fox Footy's coverage.' Every match of every round of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season is LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, in 4K, on Kayo Sports. Action continues tonight (May 29) when the Lions host the Bombers on Thursday Night Footy, before the Pies take on the Hawks on Friday Night Footy.
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
‘Pull your head in': AFL puts Bailey Smith ‘in the gun' after seven-word comment
Geelong superstar Bailey Smith has reportedly been given a stern warning from the AFL, after his satirical comment on Instagram regarding the future use of drugs. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The 24-year-old, who is in career-best form, replied to a comment on Instagram last week asking if he was going to have 'nose beers' after his win over former club the Western Bulldogs last Thursday night. Satirically, Smith replied saying: 'Na bro, after the flag maybe tho (sic).' The comment has created even more public attention on his first year in the navy hoops, and a very hard word from the league says Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle Jon Ralph. 'The AFL's message to Bailey Smith is very clear: 'Pull your head in Bailey, you are in the gun right now,'' Ralph said on Tuesday night. 'He's left with a really strong message from the AFL: 'If this happens again, don't cry poor; don't say I wasn't aware of it'. 'The AFLPA boss Paul Marsh says it's in his character, it was a tongue-in-cheek thing, he's got a lot of personality in his game — but it was probably misplaced. 'Once again, Smith is the centre of attention. Once again, Chris Scott, Andrew Mackie and Steve Hocking have to deal with their star player mid-week.' The dashing midfielder is every chance to be leading the league's Brownlow Medal count after 11 rounds, and again starred against the Bulldogs for his 33 disposals, seven tackles, six tackles and 810 metres gained. Geelong have been supportive of their star recruit ever since his arrival at the club, however Midweek Tackle panellist Corbin Middlemas believes behind closed doors they would be reminding him of the fine line that comes from being such a public figure. 'I'm sure that what we're hearing from Geelong publicly is different to how they're treating Bailey Smith internally. I think so far, the way they've treated it publicly is completely consistent with the way that they've treated a lot of their players; particularly under Chris Scott's tenure,' said Middlemas. 'The difference with Bailey Smith is, he's in a very different position than a lot of those other guys ... even guys like Tyson Stengle and Jack Steven that have come in over the years that have had their troubles; often they're in their last stop in the footy system. 'That's not Bailey Smith's circumstance though, so it's another interesting juggling act for the Cats ... I know both Steve Hocking and Chris Scott have spoken about the fact that it's a good challenge for them as CEO, coach and as a club to try and work their way through this. 'There's going to be a couple of bumpy moments as there has been early on, and yet the performance on the field has been first-class; he's arguably the Brownlow Medal leader. So they're certainly getting the best out of him on-field.' Smith, who didn't play any football in his final year at Whitten Oval due to an ACL injury, seems to thrive off the extra public attention that comes with personality added Ralph. 'Part of me thinks that this isn't his kryptonite this attention, this is his superpower. He absolutely loves this stuff, and this is the reason that he's playing so well.' Geelong play West Coast this Sunday night at Optus Stadium, starting at 5:20pm (7:20pm AEST).
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy firebrand Kane Cornes defends himself over 'ridiculous' report on fiery Luke Beveridge exchange
Polarising Channel Seven footy commentator Kane Cornes has called out Fox Footy for a report it did on his fiery exchange with Luke Beveridge last Thursday night in Geelong. Cornes already had a frosty relationship with the Western Bulldogs coach - and the relationship didn't get any better after the pair exchanged words at the GMHBA Stadium. The former Port Adelaide star revealed at the beginning of the month that he has been banned from entering the Bulldogs' changing room while conducting his broadcasting duties for Channel 7. The reason for the ban is still unclear but Cornes has in the past questioned whether Beveridge, who won a premiership in his second season with the Doggies, is the right man for the job. Cornes later said he didn't have an issue with the coach's reaction after the pair clashed, but he wasn't happy with how Fox Footy reporter Jon Ralph covered the incident. 'Cornes was already banned from the Dogs' rooms after a series of negative articles and comments in regards to Beveridge,' Ralph said in his report. 'The club believes it's personal – called him a 'poor ambassador for his football club', called for his sacking repeatedly. 'People around the situation felt like Cornes stepped into his space and they're thankful that Beveridge did walk on. Cornes said Beveridge was 'starting quite strongly at him', so he said 'G'day Bevo' – and it wasn't received well.' 'The question here is whether this is deliberately disrespectful and antagonistic, whether it was the time and the space for Cornes to talk to Beveridge. 'It'll be great for the Cornes publicity machine, but I think Beveridge in a really highly emotional state in what he would believe to be a safe space pre-match dealing with all the issues he faced with the Bailey Smith saga, this was not the time and the place and felt like he was specifically baited from someone who the club had already banned. 'Certainly an unnecessary and sorry saga that continues between Cornes and Beveridge.' Speaking about the issue on The Agenda Setters, Cornes called for Ralph to apologise for saying he encroached into Beveridge's space. 'I read that too and it was ridiculous,' Cornes said. 'I think it's important as your journalist to have your integrity intact and the last thing you want to do is mislead and misrepresent an incident that went down and you want to get both sides of what happened. 'What Jon Ralph said there is embarrassing, he misled and misrepresented what happened, and all he had to do was check the vision before he wanted to run a narrative that suited him for the benefit of his channel and himself. 'I thought those comments were really ordinary. I have not heard from Jon, I would have expected an apology off the back of that, but all he had to do was ring me and asked me what happened or look at the vision and not take the word of the Western Bulldogs word for word before he went with that.' Another angle of the controversial incident was shown on the program, which clearly showed Cornes only moving towards Beveridge after the coach had walked past. 'Where have I encroached on the space?' Cornes asked.
