Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard was at the centre of a melee during the Magpies' win over the Gold Coast Suns, earning a $5,000 fine for umpire contact under the AFL's crackdown. Maynard's aggressive style, including nine tackles despite a bung shoulder, epitomised Collingwood's unconditional commitment that overwhelmed the Suns.
Maynard's impact in the win
Maynard copped a $5,000 fine for umpire contact, but his performance was pivotal. He laid nine tackles, while 15 Suns players had one tackle or none. Collingwood collectively laid 32 more tackles than Gold Coast, a stat that reflected the home side's lack of effort.
Earlier this season, Maynard executed a late, low spoil against GWS that drew comparisons to NFL defensive linebackers. On Saturday, he was punched by Ben Long, a hit that drew no penalty, and retaliated throughout the match. “If you are going to come and hit me cheaply, you are going to get some back,” Maynard told Alastair Lynch after the game.
Collingwood's relentless approach
Collingwood's list is lopsided, with plodders up front and patches down back, but their commitment is unconditional. They exploit any opponent holes or lulls. Gold Coast, in contrast, kicked goals in clumps but lacked the willingness to do dirty work. Jeremy Howe's full-body dive to smother a certain goal exemplified the Pies' effort, while no Suns player matched it.
Damien Hardwick, the Suns coach, dismissed the melee: “At the end of the day, boys will be boys.” But Maynard's passion was clear: “If you love the game, everything means a lot to you. We did it for the jumper, we did it for the fans.”
Gold Coast's recurring issues
The Suns have lost six straight, showing patches of brilliance but failing to sustain effort. Christian Petracca's 50-metre banana goal was a highlight, but the team's inconsistency remains. Collingwood, despite limitations, keeps fighting, as Maynard embodies: “Bloody hell.”
