AFL Tribunal taking centre stage for Maynard, Martin cases

Collingwood and Carlton supporters are anxiously awaiting the AFL Tribunal’s decisions on two significant cases scheduled for Tuesday night.

Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard is potentially facing a three-week suspension for a controversial bump on Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw during last Thursday’s qualifying final.

Although the Match Review Officer initially cleared Maynard, league officials have decided to pursue the matter further to establish a clear precedent.

As a result of the incident, Brayshaw was stretchered off the field and will be unavailable for Melbourne’s upcoming semifinal against Carlton.

The Blues have their own disciplinary issues, with Jack Martin receiving a two-match suspension over an incident involving Sydney star Nick Blakey in last Friday’s elimination final.

Carlton are contesting this decision in hopes of having Martin ready for their match against Melbourne this Friday, with the winner set to face Brisbane in a preliminary final.

Opinions on Maynard’s case are divided, with several former AFL players asserting that the contact with Brayshaw did not amount to reckless behaviour.

On the other hand, the Blues face a tougher challenge in clearing Martin, as video footage clearly shows him making contact to Blakey’s head with a swinging arm.

Top AFL betting sites have Carlton as underdogs at +121 for the upcoming weekend, while Melbourne are favoured at -149.25 to advance.

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