Collingwood's Brayden Maynard Set for Tribunal Date After Umpire Contact

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Collingwood vice captain Brayden Maynard is likely to face the AFL Tribunal after a heated exchange with an umpire and Sun Ben Long during his team's 6-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday. Maynard, a key defender, was involved in a physical battle with Long, which ended with Maynard making contact with umpire Nick Brown to get to Long.

In a thrilling finish to the match at People First Stadium, Long kicked a goal with 24 seconds remaining to reduce the margin to a straight kick. However, Collingwood held firm in the next two stoppages, thanks in part to superstar midfielder Nick Daicos winning a free kick for a high tackle.

The incident sparked a wild all-in melee, with shoes lost and the jumper of Collingwood defender Billy Frampton torn. Maynard was left with several visible scratches on his neck and arms after the melees.

After the match, Maynard and Long seemed to have made peace, sharing an embrace and a chat. Maynard said, 'If you're going to come hit me cheaply, you're going to get something back.'

Maynard's actions have sparked debate, with North Melbourne great David King saying, 'It's the dumbest thing we've seen for the year.' Collingwood coach Craig McRae said he didn't see Maynard's touch on the umpire but wasn't happy with Long's cheap shot.

Maynard and Long were involved in a physical battle early in the second half, with Long flooring Maynard with a cheap shot just five seconds before half-time. The incident sparked a wild melee, with shoes lost and the jumper of Collingwood defender Billy Frampton torn.

The match was a thrilling finish, with Collingwood holding on for a 15.14 (104) to 15.8 (98) win. The win improves their season record to 8-1-7, while Gold Coast's sixth loss on the trot has left them struggling at 7-9.

This incident comes at a time when player safety and umpire protection are top priorities in the AFL. The league has taken steps to reduce player contact and promote fair play.

'It's the dumbest thing we've seen for the year.'

• North Melbourne great David King

Collingwood vice captain Brayden Maynard is likely to face the AFL Tribunal after a heated exchange with an umpire and Sun Ben Long during his team's 6-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday. Maynard, a key defender, was involved in a physical battle with Long, which ended with Maynard making contact with umpire Nick Brown to get to Long.

Maynard and Long were involved in a physical battle early in the second half, with Long flooring Mayard with a cheap shot just five seconds before half-time. The incident sparked a wild melee, with shoes lost and the jumper of Collingwood defender Billy Frampton torn.

The match was a thrilling finish, with Collingwood holding on for a 15.14 (104) to 15.8 (98) win. The win improves their season record to 8-1-7, while Gold Coast's sixth loss on the trot has left them struggling at 7-9.