Brayden Maynard’s mate, Bulldog’s brother Conor Clarke facing life ban from AFL venues for pitch invasion
A close friend of Brayden Maynard and the brother of a Bulldogs youngster is facing the prospect of a life ban after running onto the ground during Maynard’s 200th game on Sunday.
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A friend of Collingwood premiership player Brayden Maynard who ran onto Marvel Stadium on Sunday is now facing a life ban by the AFL.
The pitch invader was Conor Clarke, the older brother of Western Bulldogs forward Charlie Clarke, with the league set to hand down the harsh punishment for his short-lived sprint onto the field during the final quarter of Collingwood’s thrilling win over North Melbourne.
Fortunately the play was at the other end of the ground and wasn’t impacted with several security guards chasing Clarke before tackling him to the ground.
He was then taken away by Victoria Police and escorted from the stadium before then unsuccessfully trying to get back in via another entrance.
While Clarke didn’t see the thrilling finish to Maynard’s 200th game, he did catch up with the Pies star at a function afterwards to celebrate the milestone.
He posted a photo from there on social media standing next to Maynard still wearing the same clothes with grass stains on his jeans from the on-field escapade.
His brother, who made his debut for the Western Bulldogs in Round 8 against Hawthorn, was also at the celebration but wasn’t drinking.
Clarke’s social media account features numerous photos of him socialising with Maynard including an image from last year’s Grand Final victory.
The AFL is investigating whether he is a Collingwood member or had received a ticket from Maynard to attend the game.
The league has the power to ban pitch invaders from venues and fine them up to $11,000.
Earlier this year a 22-year-old man was banned from attending AFL and AFLW matches for life – to be reviewed after five years – for storming the field in the Round 2 game between Adelaide and Geelong at Adelaide Oval.
Crow Ben Keays famously grabbed onto the fan during the incident, with Cat Jeremy Cameron signalling a ‘holding the ball’ decision as security apprehended the streaker.
“Running onto the ground during a match is not only senseless but it is unsafe and unlawful,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said in a statement in April.
“If you choose to do it, then you will not only be given a significant fine but you will have to deal with local authorities and ultimately lose the privilege of attending AFL matches.”
Both Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs declined to comment with AFL confirming it was investigating the circumstances around the pitch invasion and would be handing down a penalty on Tuesday.
Last month the AFL hit a Collingwood fan with a 12-month ban – six months of it was suspended – for reaching over the fence at Marvel Stadium and patting the head of West Coast Eagles youngster Harvey Johnston.
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