AFL world divided as Brayden Maynard avoids suspension for collision that left Angus Brayshaw concussed

Brayden Maynard may be free to play in Collingwood’s upcoming preliminary final, but the AFL world is divided on the call.

The Pies defender spent a marathon three hours defending his actions that left Melbourne veteran Angus Brayshaw lying on the MCG turf with concussion.

Maynard had leapt into the air as Brayshaw streamed out of a centre clearance to try and smother a quick.

However, as he came down, he braced his body with his shoulder colliding with the Demon’s chin.

Brayshaw was stretched off the ground but was seen at training on Tuesday.

Former Collingwood president Eddie Maguire interrupted a family dinner to tell a restaurant full of people “justice had been served” before being told to sit down by his son.

However, not everyone agreed with him.

Some fans were quick to label the decision a “joke”.

“Brayden Maynard was a thug and got away with it. Because he plays for Collingwood, he got away with it,” Viki Mainard said.

Another wrote: “No way an interstate club player or smaller club player gets away with that; integrity of the comp is embarrassing.”

“What a joke it’s Collingwood I forgot.”

Maynard’s teammate Jeremy Howe said he was happy to see him cleared but expressed his concern for Brayshaw.

“I’m happy the result landed that way for us but it doesn’t make you feel any better for what happens with Angus,” he told AFL360.

“Clearly for us he’s an important player and the club thought they had a case strong enough to get the result.”

Divisive footy commenter Kane Cornes posted “never in doubt” to X, formally known as Twitter.

There was also support for the Collingwood defender.

“It’s what should have occurred in the first place. Simon Goodwin, Hamish Brayshaw and Laura Kane have all behaved disgracefully and made public fools of themselves. Brayden Maynard showed integrity and honesty. A true Collingwood great,” one person said on X.

Another fan sent out a message to Brayshaw but said the right call had been made.

“The right decision was made. Well done AFL.. My heart goes out to Angus coz you never want to see anyone be knocked out like that.”