Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has acknowledged that Steven May’s three-match ban for his controversial bump on Carlton’s Francis Evans is consistent with current standards in the AFL. The tribunal’s decision, reached after extensive deliberation, followed an incident during last Saturday’s match at the MCG that left Evans with significant injuries, leading to his substitution.
Lloyd, speaking on Nine’s Today, expressed that he was not shocked by the ruling, noting the established trend where any bump resulting in head contact—regardless of intent—could lead to suspension. He specifically mentioned Evans’ serious injuries, including knocked-out teeth and a broken nose, as factors influencing the tribunal’s decision.
May’s case was evaluated based on the ‘outcome’ of the incident rather than his intent, prompting Lloyd to speculate that the Melbourne club might appeal the decision. He explained that in today’s fast-paced AFL, players face heightened scrutiny, especially under the ongoing concerns regarding head injuries and concussion-related lawsuits. Lloyd articulated that the expectation is now firmly set for players to be suspended when they unintentionally strike another player in the head.
The tribunal classified May’s actions as careless with severe impact and high contact, despite the Demons pleading not guilty, asserting that the incident was "not unreasonable." During the hearing, Melbourne attempted to reference a text exchange between May and Evans as part of their defence, but the AFL moved to dismiss it due to the delay in submission.
After deliberation lasting over an hour, the three-match suspension was confirmed. Lloyd recognised the challenge May faced in trying to avoid head contact, acknowledging that the game’s speed complicates decisions made in split seconds.
Reflecting on his own career, Lloyd recalled situations where he had to adjust his approach to avoid similar suspensions, indicating a shift in how the game is played, saying that players are now increasingly being held accountable for bumping.
Former Essendon coach James Hird sympathised with May, noting that had this incident occurred five years ago, it likely would not have resulted in a ban. Hird remarked on the evolving nature of the game’s rules, which have intensified the consequences for such actions.
As May prepares to miss upcoming matches against St Kilda, West Coast, and the Western Bulldogs, he remains optimistic, having believed he was going to reach the ball first during the incident. He articulated his shock at the outcome, feeling he had executed the play correctly. May is expected to return to play against Hawthorn on August 16, although Melbourne’s prospects for this season’s finals appear bleak.