AFL great Jimmy Bartel has expressed his strong discontent regarding the tribunal’s handling of player incidents, criticising the "legal gherkins" who determine the outcomes despite lacking real-life experience in the game. His comments were spurred by the recent three-game suspension given to Melbourne defender Steven May for an accidental shoulder bump to Carlton’s Francis Evans during their Round 19 match.
The tribunal upheld May’s suspension after he and the Melbourne Demons contested the ban, arguing that May should have anticipated the ball’s bounce and adjusted his approach to prevent contact with Evans. Bartel slammed this reasoning, claiming it undermines the sport’s integrity. He argued that the unpredictable nature of the game, including the erratic behaviour of the ball, means such expectations are unreasonable. Bartel reflected on the ludicrous nature of tribunal decisions that demand players predict every bounce, hinting that even experienced professionals, like former player Stephen Milne in the 2010 Grand Final, wouldn’t be able to meet such unrealistic standards.
Bartel conveyed his frustration on the Eddie and Jimmy podcast, suggesting that the current regulation regime penalises players for deficiencies in handling concussion-related decisions from the past. He advocated for player welfare reforms, asserting that as someone who had faced multiple concussions himself, he understands the importance of safety without compromising the sport’s essence.
Furthermore, he called for the tribunal’s decision-makers to experience the game in a practical way to better grasp what constitutes reasonable expectations on players. Bartel is not alone in this sentiment; other AFL figures, including Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton, have similarly critiqued tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson’s competence after he labelled Gleeson "clueless" on SEN radio for his approach to adjudicating player conduct.
Eddie McGuire, a former Collingwood president, also weighed in, highlighting the need for clearer distinctions between football-related and non-football-related incidents. He remarked that while contact is part of the game, like May’s aggressive style, players must also take personal responsibility to protect themselves on the field.
Currently, Steven May is set to miss Melbourne’s next three matches, including a highly anticipated clash against the Eagles and the Bulldogs, before his return to the lineup.