AFL decision to drop player weights impacts Richmond match

It hasn’t taken long for the AFL’s controversial new approach to player bios to cause havoc in the commentary box.

Richmond ruckman Samson Ryan and Fox Footy’s Jonathan Brown and Garry Lyon. Photos: News Corp and Alex Coppel

It hasn’t taken long for a controversial decision by the AFL’s official 2024 season guide to raise its head.

Last month, the AFL Record confirmed a new policy not to list player weights from this season, with editor Ash Browne stating it was the AFL’s belief “in this day and age it is inappropriate for weights to be a public matter”.

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The move drew a mixed response, with former Power star Kane Cornes labelling it “so soft I can’t believe it”, while ex-Demon Brock McLean understood the reasoning.

The issue arose once more during Tuesday night’s pre-season match between Collingwood and Richmond at Princes Park in Carlton.

It all started during a conversation about young Tigers ruckman Samson Ryan on Fox Footy’s coverage.

Richmond ruckman Samson Ryan and Fox Footy’s Jonathan Brown and Garry Lyon. Photos: News Corp and Alex Coppel

“(Ryan) got out-marked by Brayden Maynard in a quick play when he got pushed under the footy,” Garry Lyon said in commentary.

“Now he’s still developing and these guys take time, but in time, that just can’t happen.

“He’s got to be able to impose himself … he’s a good athlete and has a lot going for him.

“But he’s going to have to grit his teeth and find that real competitive gene.”

“He’s played the 15 games of AFL footy,” Anthony Hudson added as Ryan kicked for goal. “Collingwood fans there trying to make life more difficult for him.”

Meanwhile Brisbane Lions great and another commentator, Jonathan Brown, was looking up Ryan’s profile.

Fox Footy commentator Anthony Hudson.

“It doesn’t help, if you look at The Record, he’s listed as zero kilos, 206 centimetres and zero kilograms,” Brown said.

“No wonder he’s getting pushed out of the way.”

Lyon suggested Ryan had put on some weight heading into this year, before Brown recalled the new approach.

“Oh yeah, that’s right, they don’t do the weights anymore,” he said.

“No weights anymore Browny,” Hudson confirmed.

“That’s why they’ve got zero,” Brown added. “You’d be happy with that Huddo.”

We’re not certain, but that last comment may relate to Hudson’s physique, an easy shot when comparing “Huddo” to his former AFL full forward colleagues.

A man enjoying an unusual delicacy at the footy. Photo: Fox Footy

“You’ll get in trouble for that Jonathan,” Hudson added. “And so you should.”

In another slightly unusual moment during the broadcast, cameras at one stage found a gentleman tucking into an avocado with a spoon.

It was a very different sight to the usual pie and chips you typically see at the footy.

“Things have changed here in Carlton,” Lyon said.

“That used to be a bowl of pasta once upon a time.”

“It’s the smashed avo generation Gaz,” Hudson added.

Originally published as AFL decision to drop player weights impacts Richmond match