Steven May AFL tribunal LIVE: Suspension decision to be handed down for bump on Francis Evans

Whether Steven May is suspended or not, the moment was proof the mindset of the game has fundamentally changed.

You change behaviours by changing language, and the May case is proof the AFL has already changed the narrative on these types of collision incidents.

Steven May’s immediate playing future is in the hands of the AFL tribunal after his clash with Carlton’s Francis Evans on Saturday night.Credit: AFL Photos

Instantly, the discussion centred on the velocity of May, what his plan was and the expectation of collision if and when he arrived late. It was also about the change of the duty of care, that pulling up or pulling out of a contest is OK if it means you don’t concuss the other player.

Previously, the reaction would have typically been that the MRO shouldn’t even look at the case because both players were going for the ball and it was just an unfortunate collision.

Previously, the reaction would have typically been that the MRO shouldn’t even look at the case because both players were going for the ball and it was just an unfortunate collision.

Read more of Michael Gleeson’s piece here. 

May’s bump has sparked fierce debate across the AFL landscape and his tribunal case outcome has been billed as “deciding the future of the game”.

Loading

So why is it so important?

May’s tribunal case is part of the league’s crackdown on the game’s concerning head knocks.

If May is found guilty, he’ll face a minimum ban of three matches, however it could be more.

May’s apologists argue he had only a split-second to decide what to do and had few options, whereas critics – headlined by North Melbourne premiership player David King – think a lengthy ban is on the cards.

King said on Fox Footy that he believed May “picked off” Evans in an incident from a “bygone era”, and his hit warranted a six-week suspension.

Read more of Marc McGowan and Jon Pierik’s piece here.