James Stewart’s baffling ‘meltdown’ can’t be explained

Essendon defender James Stewart gifted his opponents a goal during Saturday afternoon’s contest following an baffling “brain fade”.

Essendon defender James Stewart gifted the Brisbane Lions an extra five points during Saturday afternoon’s game following an extraordinary “brain fade” on the goal line.

The Bombers were trailing by 12 points late in the third quarter at Marvel Stadium when Lion midfielder Zac Bailey awkwardly booted the footy towards the goalposts.

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Stewart chased after the Sherrin and nonchalantly threw out an arm to touch the footy and prevent the goal before crossing the line.

But a score review showed that the 28-year-old had missed the footy by a few millimetres, meaning Bailey’s kick was deemed a goal, giving the Lions an 18-point lead.

Stewart was spotted shaking his head after the decision was handed down.

James Stewart of the Bombers. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“What is he doing?” former St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt lamented on Fox Footy.

“Did he think it was touched off the boot? He must of and then, I don’t know was he nervous about rushing it? I’m trying to buy excuses here.

“The way he was approaching the ball, he’s clearly just had a brain explosion.

“He hasn’t just missed it. He’s had a meltdown.”

Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon continued: “Either he’s the coolest player in the competition or he’s made an absolute meal of it.

“Context – massive. I’m going brain fade right now until we hear otherwise.

“Essendon supporters have fallen off their seat!”

Fox Footy commentator Mark Howard said: “When I was calling it I thought there must have been a free kick I haven’t heard because he stopped.”

What the hell is James Stewart doing bruhhhh

— Chris De Silva (@cdesilva23) March 26, 2022

Let's face it, we've all had a James Stewart moment...

— peter ryan (@petryan) March 26, 2022

Oh my. James Stewart with howler of the season in round two #AFLDonsLions

— Callum Godde (@calgodde) March 26, 2022

Brisbane ultimately claimed a 15.7 (97) to 10.15 (75) victory in Docklands to remain unbeaten in the 2022 season after two rounds.

Hugh McCluggage kicked two goals for the Lions, also contributing 19 disposals and six marks.

“Overall, I thought our inability to make the most of our opportunities (was costly),” Essendon coach Ben Rutten told reporters after the defeat.

“Our set-shot goalkicking in particular, compared to Brisbane’s, that was a key factor of the game.

“Also the other little opportunities throughout the game we just need to keep getting better at. The attention to detail to little parts of our game is just so important.”

Brisbane will next face North Queensland at the Gabba on Saturday, April 2, with the first bounce scheduled for 8pm AEDT.