Former AFL Player Writes Open Letter to League Over Tribunal Inconsistencies

Hamish Brayshaw, a former AFL player, has penned an open letter addressed to the AFL expressing his frustration with the inconsistency in the league’s tribunal and match review panel. Brayshaw, currently playing for East Perth in the WAFL, voiced his concerns on the BackChat Studios podcast, co-hosted by Will Schofield and Dan Const.

In his letter, Brayshaw called out the tribunal and match review panel for what he sees as a detrimental impact on the game. His discontent stemmed from a hit his brother, Angus Brayshaw, sustained last season in a clash between Collingwood and Melbourne.

Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard escaped suspension for a hit on Angus Brayshaw during the qualifying final, which left the Melbourne Demons player concussed. Maynard went on to win a premiership with the Magpies, while Angus’s career was significantly affected.

Speaking on ABC Radio Perth, Brayshaw explained that his letter was a culmination of frustrations that began with the incident involving his brother. He highlighted the emotions involved and the lack of clarity in the decisions made by the tribunal and match review panel.

Brayshaw criticized the AFL’s tribunal for the inconsistent rulings throughout the season, pointing out specific instances such as Tom Barrass‘s suspension compared to Charlie Cameron‘s incident, highlighting the lack of consistency and transparency in the decision-making process.

Proper nouns mentioned in the letter include Sandover Medal, awarded to the best and fairest player in the WAFL, and various players and teams from the AFL such as West Coast Eagles, Perth, and Melbourne Demons.

West Coast Eagles’ player Matt Flynn also weighed in on Brayshaw’s letter, expressing similar sentiments about the tribunal’s decisions and calling for more clarity and consistency in the rulings to ensure player safety and fair play.

Brayshaw’s open letter sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the AFL’s tribunal and match review processes, urging the league to reevaluate its criteria and promote a more transparent and consistent approach to governing the game.