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Perth Now
an hour ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Demons make appeal call after May ban
AFL players have already begun to 'hesitate slightly', knowing the 'margins' between a fair contest and a lengthy ban are slim as the impact of a three-match suspension handed to Melbourne defender Steven May reverberates through the game. The Demons on Thursday confirmed they would appeal the ban, adamant May's 'sole intention was to win the ball'. 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? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge weighed in, saying he didn't agree with the suspension, but was adamant talk of it changing the fabric of the game was misplaced. May was suspended despite the AFL tribunal conceding his collision with Carlton's Francis Evans last Saturday night was not a bump. In the final minutes of his defence, May's legal counsel Adrian Anderson declared 'there was not much more he could do', but after more than 90 minutes of deliberation, the three-man tribunal panel determined he should have slowed down or changed his path to avoid Evans. Steven May's bump has divided the footy world. Photo: Fox Sports Credit: FOX SPORTS Debate has raged since the incident, with some pundits adamant the game could no longer allow players to charge headlong towards opponents, whether the ball was in play or not. That's the grounds on which Melbourne will appeal with a hearing next week. 'We felt we presented a really strong case and Steven's sole intention was to win the ball, and we believe he provided a contest in a reasonable way given the circumstances.' Melbourne football boss, Alan Richardson said. 'After reviewing the outcome and seeking further expert legal advice this morning, we have decided to appeal the Tribunal's decision.' Evans, who lost a tooth and was left bloodied and bruised, conceded to the tribunal that he didn't think he was going to get to the ball before May, adding to the confusion over the ban. Essendon vice-captain Andy McGrath conceded the incident was a 'tricky' one for the tribunal but said over the course of his career his on-field attitude had changed, and he now asked himself questions despite the 'split second' nature of making calls. 'They are split-second decisions, there are so many in game, and the longer I play – this is my ninth season – those split-second contests have changed a lot,' he said. 'If you are second to the ball, you have a big responsibility to not make contact with your opponent's head. 'It definitely comes through your mind, whether that causes us to hesitate slightly, I am questioning that more and more in the game to protect the opposition player's head.' Beveridge said talk of the May ban setting any sort of 'precedent' was unfounded and it purely determined that the outcome of this collision was a suspension. The Demons star failed to beat a three-match ban at the Tribunal for this shot on Carlton's Francis Evans. 'One of the things that has never happened in our tribunal system is there's never really been any precedent established, so I don't think anyone should be talking about precedents and how it affects the game into the future,' he said. 'Each one on their own terms is assessed. 'Do I agree with it? Probably not. When there is eyes for the ball and for all intents and purposes the players are trying to win the ball … that's where the debate rages.' Carlton captain and Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps said he wasn't sure what May could have done and McGrath agreed. 'It didn't look great but it's really hard to pull out of that contest at the last second,' he told SEN. 'As players, it's pretty tricky to know what penalty lies based on the act and we know that's margins between a fair play and a pretty significant sanction.' Prior to their announcement, Demons great Garry Lyon believed the club would appeal. Lyon did not agree with the AFL tribunal's argument that May 'had sufficient time with an unimpeded view of what was before him to determine what he could and should do in the likely event that he did not reach the ball either first or at the same time'. 'That's nonsense, which is why I've lost a bit of faith in this and why I think they'll appeal,' Lyon told SEN Breakfast. 'No-one could reasonably think that they weren't going to get to that football. (Evans) thought Steven May was going to get there first.'
West Australian
2 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
The Demons will appeal the Steven May ban that has left players confused
AFL players have already begun to 'hesitate slightly', knowing the 'margins' between a fair contest and a lengthy ban are slim as the impact of a three-match suspension handed to Melbourne defender Steven May reverberates through the game. The Demons on Thursday confirmed they would appeal the ban, adamant May's 'sole intention was to win the ball'. 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? Join now and get your first month for just $1 . Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge weighed in, saying he didn't agree with the suspension, but was adamant talk of it changing the fabric of the game was misplaced. May was suspended despite the AFL tribunal conceding his collision with Carlton's Francis Evans last Saturday night was not a bump. In the final minutes of his defence , May's legal counsel Adrian Anderson declared 'there was not much more he could do', but after more than 90 minutes of deliberation, the three-man tribunal panel determined he should have slowed down or changed his path to avoid Evans. Debate has raged since the incident, with some pundits adamant the game could no longer allow players to charge headlong towards opponents, whether the ball was in play or not. That's the grounds on which Melbourne will appeal with a hearing next week. 'We felt we presented a really strong case and Steven's sole intention was to win the ball, and we believe he provided a contest in a reasonable way given the circumstances.' Melbourne football boss, Alan Richardson said. 'After reviewing the outcome and seeking further expert legal advice this morning, we have decided to appeal the Tribunal's decision.' Evans, who lost a tooth and was left bloodied and bruised, conceded to the tribunal that he didn't think he was going to get to the ball before May, adding to the confusion over the ban. Essendon vice-captain Andy McGrath conceded the incident was a 'tricky' one for the tribunal but said over the course of his career his on-field attitude had changed, and he now asked himself questions despite the 'split second' nature of making calls. 'They are split-second decisions, there are so many in game, and the longer I play – this is my ninth season – those split-second contests have changed a lot,' he said. 'If you are second to the ball, you have a big responsibility to not make contact with your opponent's head. 'It definitely comes through your mind, whether that causes us to hesitate slightly, I am questioning that more and more in the game to protect the opposition player's head.' Beveridge said talk of the May ban setting any sort of 'precedent' was unfounded and it purely determined that the outcome of this collision was a suspension. The Demons star failed to beat a three-match ban at the Tribunal for this shot on Carlton's Francis Evans. 'One of the things that has never happened in our tribunal system is there's never really been any precedent established, so I don't think anyone should be talking about precedents and how it affects the game into the future,' he said. 'Each one on their own terms is assessed. 'Do I agree with it? Probably not. When there is eyes for the ball and for all intents and purposes the players are trying to win the ball … that's where the debate rages.' Carlton captain and Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps said he wasn't sure what May could have done and McGrath agreed. 'It didn't look great but it's really hard to pull out of that contest at the last second,' he told SEN. 'As players, it's pretty tricky to know what penalty lies based on the act and we know that's margins between a fair play and a pretty significant sanction.' Prior to their announcement, Demons great Garry Lyon believed the club would appeal. Lyon did not agree with the AFL tribunal's argument that May 'had sufficient time with an unimpeded view of what was before him to determine what he could and should do in the likely event that he did not reach the ball either first or at the same time'. 'That's nonsense, which is why I've lost a bit of faith in this and why I think they'll appeal,' Lyon told SEN Breakfast. 'No-one could reasonably think that they weren't going to get to that football. (Evans) thought Steven May was going to get there first.'
Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Herald Sun
AFL Caroline Wilson tells Craig Hutchy Hutchison to ‘grow up' in shock spray live on-air, Channel 7, The Agenda Setters
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Caroline Wilson bluntly told Craig Hutchison to 'grow up' during a feisty spat live on Channel 7. Hutchison, Wilson, Kane Cornes and Nick Riewoldt front The Agenda Setters on the network and the two footy greats sat silently while the media identities got into a squabble over one of Hutchy's recent business moves. 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? Join now and get your first month for just $1. The pre-planned segment, which Hutchison clearly did not know was going to happen, related to the media mogul's awkward appearance on radio network RSN last week after he announced a raft of sackings at the station. Earlier this month, the TV host's SEN group purchased RSN in a $3.25 million deal and immediately set about cutting costs, including giving popular hosts Daniel Harford and Michael Felgate the flick. Watch the Hutchy-Caro exchange in the video player above SEN owner Craig Hutchison didn't appreciate the line of questioning. Photo: Supplied Many long-time listeners of the station only learned the news when Hutchison fronted Felgate's Racing Pulse show last Thursday. So Wilson took the opportunity to make a cheeky plea over her own future on the Channel 7 show. Set up by Riewoldt in a section called The Spill, the former St Kilda captain put the vague question to Wilson: 'The hour on air of the Agenda Setters is the highest risk of all.' The long-time Age reporter replied: 'Well, certainly if you're on air with Craig Hutchison. 'This is no respect, disrespect I should say, to Michael Felgate or Daniel Harford for that matter. 'But if you're going to remove me from the show, can you please not do it with me on-air?' Daniel Harford (left) and Michael Felgate have been dumped from RSN. Wilson delivered the jab with a straight face and Hutchison did not take it well. 'This is not something to joke about,' he shot back. When Wilson said 'I'm not joking about it', Hutchy said: 'No, that's incredibly disrespectful and disappointing. That story is incorrect. It didn't happen.' Wilson, clearly surprised by Hutchison's reaction, stuck to her guns. 'Oh, don't. Craig, you walked into the studio, I know Michael Felgate already knew that his show would no longer be continuing,' she said. 'But if you're going to do it to me, I would rather it happen behind the scenes and not on air.' With Hutchison's production company directly involved in The Agenda Setters, perhaps Wilson just signed her own papers? Watch this space. But Hutchy wasn't taking the shot lying down. 'There was a press release the day before and there was a mature, two-way conversation on-air and you're making light of it, which is disappointing,' a seemingly hurt Hutchy replied. Wilson then had the last word, scoffing as she said: 'Oh, grow up.' Cornes and Riewoldt then did their best to keep the show moving, moving onto a story about Travis Boak and his habits in the bedroom the night before a game. Somehow, that topic was nowhere near as awkward as the exchange between the old journalists. In a bizarre segment last week, Felgate had the opportunity to grill Hutchison about why he was losing his job, with the latter doing his best to stress it wasn't a personal decision. Caroline Wilson, Craig Hutchison and Kane Cornes left Nine to join Channel 7. Picture: Channel 9 Felgate began the interview asking: 'I've got to start with the elephant in the room. An announcement yesterday which came out that there will be programming changes. 'Breakfast with Harf and this show, Racing Pulse, will no longer exist in the new regime. 'Just talk us through the reasoning. Why you don't want Breakfast with Harf and Racing Pulse on the new station?' Hutchison responded: 'First of all they're magnificent shows, so no disrespect at all to the quality of the programs and the identities involved, you in particular Michael and Daniel, who have been incredible servants of RSN. 'There's nothing personal about (cancelling) either of those programs … we need to invest, over time, into the racing product, it's a racing station. 'It's a different audience to the one that we have developed over on SEN Track, very different audience, very different experience, they don't really resemble each other after midday.' He went on to say: 'I know that won't be everyone's cup of tea on day one. 'You (Felgate) have got an enormous following, so does Daniel. The default position from many will be to have empathy for those programs and I respect that hugely. Hugely, because it's not about the quality of the shows.' Harford, who has been an icon of the network, said on his show last Thursday it had been 'a period of uncertainty' for those involved. 'So at the end of August this program will cease to exist,' he said. 'We'll be no longer required and there will be different programming on RSN which is very sad. Harford with David King. Photo: Supplied 'We've been doing this for a long time, which is very sad. We've had a lot of conversations about this internally for a little while. 'Certainly in the last couple of days when we found out what was going to be happening. 'So that's the reality of our situation.' The Hutchison-led group announced RSN will double dip from the Hutchison-backed SEN network and will broadcast SEN Breakfast. SEN's flagship breakfast slot, whish is shared between Cornes, David King, Tim Watson and Garry Lyon, will now be broadcast on two frequencies. Felgate's Racing Pulse will be replaced by Gareth Hall's Giddy Up. Those changes will be made from August 29. Originally published as Caroline Wilson tells Hutchy to 'grow up' in shock spray live on-air
Mercury
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mercury
AFL Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney's record-breaking day leads Swans post North Melbourne Kangaroos
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Sydney have kept their highly improbable finals hopes alive for another week with a 31-point victory over an uninspiring North Melbourne outfit at the SCG. The Kangaroos briefly hit the front early in the second term, but never got back within striking distance for the rest of the match as the Swans won 11.10 (76) to 6.10 (46). 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. Superstar Isaac Heeney was the star of the show with his sixth-ever five-goal haul at AFL level, before being dragged to the bench with half a dozen minutes to play in the match. The 29-year-old finished the match with 34 disposals — 16 contested – 13 clearances, 11 score involvements, nine inside 50s and five majors to finish with one of the games of the 2025 season. Isaac Heeney dominated in a record-breaking performance. (Photo by Phil Hillyard) It was also revealed Heeney's combination of at least five goals and more than 11 clearances had never been achieved in the same game in AFL history. For North, the absence of star ruck Tristan Xerri was sorely missed, as replacement ruck Callum Coleman-Jones went down with a calf injury before quarter-time in his first AFL game for 477 days. It meant rival star Brodie Grundy spearheaded a ruck bloodbath to register 22 disposals, 62 hit-outs and 11 clearances before being rested for the final 11 minutes of the match. 'Xerri's not playing, he's been their driver (and) dynamo all season — but no one's really stepped up in and around,' 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said as the final siren at the SCG loomed. The Swans have now won 13 of their past 14 games against North Melbourne, including a current streak of 10 victories. North last came up trumps against the Bloods back in Round 7, 2018. By extension, the Roos have also lost 13 of their past 16 games at the SCG. 'Isaac Heeney destroyed this game today … who from the Kangaroos of those elite picks can go to that level?' two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King said on Super Saturday Live post-game. While Heeney was dominating, fellow star Errol Gulden was penalised for a highly unusual abuse call in the third quarter. With two minutes left in the term, Nick Blakey and Gulden exchanged a handpass one-two, with the 'Lizard's' errant handpass setting Gulden a task. He tried to handpass to Heeney, but the umpire had called the ball out of play and it's fair to say the All Australian wasn't happy. Errol Gulden had some choice words for the umpire. Photo: Fox Sports Gulden threw his arms out before taking out his mouthguard so he could send some obviously choice words in the umpire's direction The umpire swiftly said: 'Free kick North Melbourne. Free kick for abuse.' Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy: 'Gee we haven't seen an abuse free kick paid in a long time. Dissent. We haven't seen that. 'Fair enough though, that is the rule. It's just unusual in season 2025 for it to get paid.' Mark Howard added: 'It did look rather vehement from Errol. Now the crowd are also showing a touch of dissent. Heeney and former Swan Luke Parker at the SCG. (Photo by Phil Hillyard) While it wasn't always pretty, Sydney remains alive in the finals race after wearing down North Melbourne and all eyes were on that man Heeney. From early in the contest, his Swans teammates were understandably lowering their eyes trying to pick him out inside 50. 'They are trying to isolate him almost every time Isaac Heeney when he pushes into that forward line,' Healy noted. 'He can get you in the air and he can get you on the ground.' Dual All-Australian Montagna at half-time pondered whether North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson would seek a different matchup for the unstoppable Swan. 'Isaac Heeney's first half; you can't do much more — 19 disposals, five inside-50s, six score involvements, he's kicked a couple himself and he has eight clearances,' Montagna said. Brodie Grundy also had a day out for the Swans. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/for Getty Images) 'He is doing absolutely everything and that's why he's one of the best players in the competition. 'Maybe they might have to find a different matchup — Tom Powell trying to go with him at clearance but just doesn't have the size or class to match. So, it'll be interesting if Clarko decides to make a change.' Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Heeney reeled in a high Hayden McLean entry with one hand, prompting caller Mark Howard to remark: 'He can do it all, this man.' 'He's just playing with them, Isaac Heeney,' Montagna added in reaction. North Melbourne closed the gap to 12 points at the final change, but couldn't get any closer as Heeney kicked a goal in the first minute of the fourth and then another before taking a rest on the bench in the closing stages. Originally published as Isaac Heeney's record-breaking day leads Sydney past North Melbourne
Courier-Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Hawks veteran Jack Gunston denied ‘best goal of his career' in Hawthorn win over Port Adelaide in Launceston
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. A set of Port Adelaide finger tips denied Jack Gunston one of the greatest goals of his 276-game career on Saturday afternoon. A cheeky final quarter Jack Ginnivan goal celebration capped off Hawthorn's 38-point win in Launceston, 13.9 (87) to 7.7 (49). 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? Join now and get your first month for just $1. But midway through that fourth term, Gunston nearly pulled off a miracle goal in horrendous conditions at UTAS Stadium. Hawthorn midfielder Josh Ward kept the ball in close to the boundary line and threw it on the boot into the forward 50m, where it bounced over the back of a pack. Despite his 33-year-old legs, Gunston read the play perfectly, sprinting to grab the Sherrin and then throwing it onto his left boot in one motion from an impossible angle. Watch Jack Gunston's incredible effort in the player above Jack Gunston takes the shot from a ridiculous angle. Photo: Fox Sports As he slid towards the boundary line and kept his eye on the bouncing footy, it seemed at first glance that he had kicked a ridiculous goal as the commentators lost their collective minds. 'Over the back, a little slip from Gunston, still a chance,' Dwayne Russell said on Fox Footy. 'He's kicked miracle goals before and that might be the best of them! That's one for all time!' Two of his colleagues screamed 'no way!' before Dermott Brereton declared: 'If that's in, that could be the goal of his career. 'You can't kick them. You can't kick them Dwayne.' The dreaded goal review robbed Gunston. Photo: Fox Sports Gunston ended up on the fence as Jackson Mead stopped the incredible shot. Photo: Fox Sports Brad Johnson noted: 'Look where Gunston is, he's in the gutter! That's how good it was.' Ben Dixon then declared: 'I reckon it's in, to the naked eye. Oh no, if that's touched.' That led a chorus of 'oh no' as it started to dawn on everyone Port Adelaide's Jackson Mead had played the ultimate spoil sport. With Hawthorn players celebrating as the ball bounced towards the line, Mead stuck out his right hand and got a touch on the footy centimetres before it crossed the paint. Those watching on were left as stunned as the Fox Footy team. Hawks Insiders tweeted: 'Best behind Jack Gunston has ever kicked.' Mark Robinson wrote: 'Geez stiff Jack Gunston, goal of the year contender that would've been.' Starcraft_princess said: 'Gunners robbed of a classic.' Andrew Johnston wrote in all caps: 'Uncle Jack are you freaking kidding me???' Once the review was in, Johnston replied to himself: 'Booooooo.' Hakan Benli said: 'Wow that would've been goal of the year!' Paul White joked: 'What a non-goal!' Another fan wrote simply: 'That Gunston behind was sick.' Originally published as Hawks veteran Jack Gunston denied 'best goal of his career'
