Former Hawthorn Hawks skipper Luke Hodge, who’s known for playing a hard brand of football, caused a stir in his side’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns, taking out Gary Ablett off the ball.
The incident occurred as the Suns moved the ball inside 50, and Hodge and Ablett ran to reach the next contest.
But the act likely didn’t have the desired effect, with the Suns being paid a free kick, and Jack Martin scoring a goal via the advantage rule.
Ablett has been under pressure of late, following a poor showing in the Gold Coast’s heavy Round 2 loss to the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
The two-time Brownlow medalist has also been scrutinised for comments made during a recent interview last week, in which he suggested he might retire if the Gold Coast refuse to trade him at the end of this season.
However, Ablett shirked off the pressure.
The 32-year-old was one of the most influential players on the ground with 36 disposals and two goals, as the Suns recorded their largest-ever win.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
It could be a weekend for contenders to emerge, teams to hopefully break droughts, o and overall footy to have a party.
We’ve already seen what Jack Ginnivan is capable of at Collingwood with his ability to grasp big moments - how will he go against his former teammates?
