Max Gawn predicts MAJOR change to footy in wake of Toby Greene controversy: ‘It has split the change room’
- Max Gawn has given his opinion on the Toby Greene saga
- Greene received a one-match suspension for a controversial bump
- Gawn predicts drastic changes to the bump rules
Max Gawn believes footy is ready for a major rule change with the Melbourne captain making waves over Toby Greene’s controversial bump.
GWS Giants captain Greene was handed a one-match suspension for rough conduct after hitting Jordan Boyd high with a mid-air bump during last weekend’s defeat to Carlton.
Greene jumped in front of a goal but turned his body milliseconds before impact. As a result, he made contact with Boyd’s head, with the Carlton star going back with the flight of the ball.
Body was not seriously affected by the incident and immediately returned to his feet to take a free kick before playing out the remainder of the match.
Max Gawn (right) believes a major rule change is coming for the AFL
GWS Giants captain Toby Greene was banned in a call that split the footy
However, Greene’s actions were labeled by the match review panel as careless behaviour, with medium impact and high contact.
The Giants are expected to challenge the ban at the tribunal on Tuesday evening, with Thursday’s huge match against Brisbane Lions in mind.
But the incident has opened a can of worms with Gawn admitting his Demons’ dressing rooms were ‘split’.
‘This is the new sling tackle of 2012… going for a point and catching someone. Every year there is a new tribunal ruling that makes you think ‘wow, that is no longer possible’, he said on Triple M.
‘It feels like you’re going for a goal and defending yourself a bit. You better try to pamper yourself so you’re not so stuck with your shoulder.’
Greene hit Jordan Boyd with a high bump as Boyd went with the flight of the ball
Gawn thinks this could be a pivotal moment for a controversial part of the rules
Gawn added that he believes footy is approaching a pivotal moment when it comes to bumps.
“That’s a can of worms and I think in 10 years it could be a rule to return to flight,” he said.
“Toby paid for the man taking the flight back.”
Giants coach Adam Kingsley didn’t seem too concerned about the incident immediately after the final siren, so is sure to be furious about the suspension of his inspirational leader.
“There’s nothing in that,” Kingsley said.
‘He can contest the ball, right? Can he shoot for the ball?’