West Coast Eagles defender Reuben Ginbey called out over ‘cowardly’ act

An AFL legend has called for the league to take action in the wake of an Eagles defender’s ugly act that injured a young star.

West Coast defender Reuben Ginbey has come under heavy fire from fans over a questionable act on Monday.

The Eagles locked horns with the Tigers in a pre-season hitout at Mineral Resources Park, but it was in the dying stages when a nasty collision unfolded.

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As Richmond streamed forward, No. 1 draft pick Sam Lalor ran towards a marking contest with Ginbey close behind.

But as the pair drew closer to the fall of the ball, Ginbey pushed Lalor which saw the prized pick slam head and neck first into the right hip of Eagles player Sandy Brock.

The game was halted as Lalor remained on the turf in agony as medical staff rushed out to the young star before he walked off the ground.

Watch the scary collision in the video player above

Ginbey shoves Lalor into the contest.

While immediate concern turned to the welfare of Lalor, attention quickly turned to Ginbey with AFL great Matthew Lloyd leading the chorus of backlash against the Eagles defender.

“Has to be looked at that incident from Ginbey on Lalor,” Lloyd wrote on X.

“Lalor in such a vulnerable position and the ball player needs to be protected. A form of tunneling.”

Lloyd wasn’t alone in calling out the 20-year-old defender with many believing the AFL must take action.

One irate fan wrote: “Weak as piss from Ginbey, players deliberately pushing opponents into contest is very dangerous and cowardly, I have always hated this.”

A second added: “This has to be a suspension. 2-3 weeks minimum.”

A third stated: “AFL if you are serious about player safety you need to do more to protect players from idiots who do deliberate and dangerous acts like this that could result in serious injury. If you’re genuinely concerned then it’s time to stamp down on this action.”

Lalor was placed into concussion protocols after the incident. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Tigers youngster had impressed earlier in the match. Picture: Mark Stewart

Richmond development boss Sam Lonergan gave a brief update on Lalor’s condition post-match.

“He’s got a bit of a sore jaw at the moment,” he said.

“We’ll just wait and see what happens. Hopefully we’ll find out over the next 24 hours (if he enters the concussion protocols).

“I suspect that he’ll be ready (for Round 1) regardless – we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with the concussion protocols of how many days, if it is or it isn’t.

“We need to manage his load and work out what he’s capable of doing.”

West Coast ultimately won the contest comfortably 10.2 (62) to 4.2 (26).

The concussion protocols means Lalor won’t take part in Richmond’s final practice clash against Collingwood at Ikon Park next Wednesday.

The top draft pick however should be fine to return for the club’s season opener against Carlton on March 13.