The AFL has dropped the ball on its first major test of 2025

On Monday, the AFL revealed the bagful of money raised from player fines last season – funds that the league says are directed towards concussion research – had doubled.

So it’s ironic that on the same day, the AFL’s match review officer failed to cite a player who contributed to an ugly head knock that left the No.1 draft pick with a concussion and a fractured jaw that required surgery.

No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor was concussed and left with a fractured jaw after this incident against the West Coast Eagles.Credit: Fox Footy/Kayo

Of the five players cited through the practice match rounds, there was no mention of West Coast defender Reuben Ginbey, 20, and his needless, even reckless, push in the back of Sam Lalor.

The young Tiger crashed into Eagle Sandy Brock, who had cut across and taken an intercept mark. Lalor barely had time to raise his hands to protect himself.

That Brock was stripped of his mark and a free kick awarded to Lalor meant Ginbey had done wrong. That Lalor, the league’s top draft pick and the Tigers’ shining light, was seriously injured surely meant Ginbey would be cited by the match review officer.

In fact, he should have been sent directly to the tribunal. Or at least offered a ban of some kind. OK, even a fine. But it didn’t even rate a mention as an incident that warranted an explanation from match review officer Michael Christian.

The AFL may have tightened its head knock protocols, but it has dropped the ball on its first major test of the new year.

Lalor deserved better than this. So did his family. Ginbey may have meant no harm – we are not suggesting he did – but, ultimately, there was harm done. Had the incident, which appeared intentional, been deemed to be rough conduct and graded severe, resulting in a tribunal case, Ginbey could have argued he was looking at the ball, and did not know a teammate was crossing into Lalor’s path.

On a frame-by-frame dissection, he, at least, would have provided an explanation, and we would all be better for it.

A hearing would also have sent a blunt message to players that there can be greater risks for a push in the back borne of frustration. We have seen this type of incident before. It must be eradicated from the game. AFL great Matthew Lloyd was quick to point out on social media: “Lalor in such a vulnerable position and the ball player needs to be protected. A form of tunnelling.”

Sam Lalor in the hands of trainers after a heavy knock.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Times have changed, and the focus is now on player welfare. That includes players showing greater care towards each other, particularly in the heat of the battle when split-second decisions can leave scarring for life.

Concussion and the long-term impacts of brain trauma is arguably the biggest issue in the sport.

The league was contacted for comment on the MRO decision, and whether it would appeal.

In good news for the Tigers, skipper Toby Nankervis told this masthead that Lalor was healing well, and hoped to return for round one against Carlton.

That the AFL is directing money from player fines towards concussion research is a good thing. But it’s on the field where the right call really needs to be made.

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