In a dramatic weekend for Australian Rules Football, Melbourne’s Steven May faces a tribunal hearing following a controversial on-field collision, while Hawthorn’s Finn Maginness undergoes surgery for a lacerated kidney. Meanwhile, Carlton’s Charlie Curnow breaks a personal goal drought, marking a significant turnaround in his performance.
May’s Tribunal Hearing Looms
During a tense match, Steven May’s right shoulder collided with Carlton’s Francis Evans, sending the latter to the ground. The incident has sparked debate over May’s actions and whether he should have opted for a tackle instead. “It was pretty quick, I don’t really know,” said Carlton’s Charlie Curnow post-game. “In those situations, it’s really hard because it’s split-second.”
Experts on Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show speculated that May could face a three-match ban from the Match Review Officer (MRO). Isaac Smith, a premiership player with Hawthorn and Geelong, noted the unpredictability of the tribunal’s decision. “I think you can see him getting no weeks and you can see him getting four weeks,” Smith commented.
Impact on the Teams
Blues coach Michael Voss remarked that both players were making a play at the ball, suggesting the incident was an unfortunate consequence of competitive play. “Maybe one person was one step late, which obviously … then the incident happens,” Voss stated. May’s subsequent concussion, after being kneed in the head by Tom De Koning, will see him miss the next match against St Kilda.
Evans, although “banged up on the nose,” was reportedly in good spirits post-match. Voss expressed disappointment at losing Evans, who was playing a crucial role for the team.
Hawthorn’s Maginness Undergoes Kidney Surgery
Hawthorn utility Finn Maginness required surgery after sustaining a lacerated kidney during the club’s victory over Port Adelaide. The injury was discovered after Maginness reported mild abdominal discomfort post-match. He was subsequently flown to Hobart for the procedure.
Hawthorn’s head doctor, Liam West, emphasized the priority of Maginness’s health. “Finn’s health is clearly our number one priority,” West stated, ensuring that Maginness will remain under observation in Hobart before returning to Melbourne.
Team Dynamics Post-Injury
Despite the setback, Hawthorn celebrated a significant win over Port Adelaide, temporarily moving into the top four. With forward Mitch Lewis returning from a 12-month ACL injury absence, the team faces selection challenges ahead of their next match against Carlton at the MCG.
Curnow Breaks Goal Drought
After a challenging period without scoring, Carlton’s Charlie Curnow made a triumphant return to form, scoring the decisive goal in a tight victory over the Demons. Curnow ended a 35-day goal drought, opening the scoring within the first 36 seconds of the match.
His third goal, a set-shot from the 50m line, sealed the win for Carlton. Coach Michael Voss praised Curnow’s perseverance, noting, “He looked like he wanted to take that moment, which was pleasing to see.”
Looking Forward
While Curnow was eager to downplay his personal achievements, he highlighted the contributions of his younger teammates, Flynn Young and Matt Carroll, who both scored their first goals for the club. Curnow also praised Ashton Moir, who achieved a career-high four goals against the Demons.
The weekend’s events have left fans and analysts alike anticipating the outcomes of the tribunal and the ongoing recovery of injured players. As the AFL season progresses, these developments promise to shape the dynamics of the teams involved.
