Following the recent match where Essendon suffered a loss to Geelong, football pundits are advocating for a suspension for Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel. His controversial shove of Geelong’s Mark O’Connor into a play led to a serious on-field incident involving Bomber player Luamon Lual, who fell awkwardly, landing on his head and neck. Fortunately, Lual escaped critical injuries, but the event sparked calls for accountability regarding Shiel’s actions, which many consider hazardous.
The trend of pushing players into contests has been alarming this season, following incidents like Richmond’s Sam Lalor suffering a broken jaw in similar circumstances during pre-season. Earlier decisions reflect a divide in disciplinary responses: Collingwood’s Brody Mihocek faced no punishment for comparable conduct, while Richmond’s Ryhan Mansell received a three-match suspension for a similar incident in March.
Mark Fine, a noted commentator, described the act as having “become an epidemic” in football, labelling it a form of cowardice that jeopardises the safety of players on both sides. Citing the potential ramifications, he urged for Shiel to face a minimum suspension of three weeks. Likewise, Leigh Matthews acknowledged the danger inherent in such actions and suggested that Shiel must be held accountable, recommending a fine or suspension.
Melbourne great Garry Lyon also expressed his agreement on the need for disciplinary action against Shiel, highlighting the risks associated with pushing players into risky situations. The current climate within the AFL emphasises a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to dangerous plays, urging for prompt action to deter further instances.
In the wake of the incident, Essendon coach Brad Scott mentioned that Lual experienced soreness but could have continued playing had it been necessary. He raised the question of whether a player could be penalised for putting their teammate at risk.
Overall, the incident has reignited discussions around player safety and the responsibilities athletes hold during games, prompting a collective demand for stricter measures to maintain safety in the sport.