Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw knocked out 10 minutes into AFL qualifying final with Collingwood

Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw was knocked out cold less than 10 minutes into the Demons’ AFL qualifying final, with Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard reported for his high attempted smother on the midfielder.

Early in the first quarter at the MCG, with Collingwood leading 2.0 (12) to 0.0 (0), Max Gawn handballed to Brayshaw out of the centre and the midfielder burst forward and kicked inside 50.

Maynard jumped forward in an attempted smother and collected Brayshaw high with his shoulder.

Brayshaw was immediately out cold and required lengthy attention on the field before leaving the field on a stretcher and in a neck brace.

The on-field umpire could be heard on the broadcast saying Maynard was reported for the high contact, while Brayshaw’s teammate Bayley Fritsch kicked a goal from the subsequent downfield free kick.

Collingwood vice-captain Maynard will now nervously await match review officer Michael Christian’s assessment of the incident.

Melbourne forward Jacob van Rooyen could also come under scrutiny for a high elbow on Magpies forward Dan McStay later in the first quarter.

McStay went off for a concussion test but returned to the field.

If Melbourne lose, Brayshaw, who was replaced by substitute Bailey Laurie, will be ruled out of their semi-final due to the AFL’s concussion protocols, which mandate a minimum 12-day break.

The 27-year-old has a lengthy concussion history and wears headgear.

Brayshaw gave the crowd a thumbs up as he was taken off and coach Simon Goodwin later told the Seven Network Brayshaw was up and about in the Melbourne rooms at half-time talking to his teammates.

Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney made a point of getting in Maynard’s face after the incident, pushing and shoving the defender and causing a brief scuffle.

Maynard was also booed by Melbourne fans whenever he came to the bench.