In a pivotal moment during last week’s match-up between Geelong and Gold Coast, Tom Stewart delivered a cowardly bump on Noah Anderson that sparked outrage. This outrageous attempt at sportsmanship has since sparked a fiery debate between fans and pundits. WATCH Anderson’s desperate attempt to kick clear as he chased down a loose ball deep in the defensive 50. Instead, Stewart came flying in from the other side and hit Anderson’s midsection and shoulder area with full force.
So, when Anderson went to retrieve the ball, Stewart decided to nudge rather than go up for the jump ball. Commentator Mark Howard called the impact bone-rattling, an understatement that somehow managed to evoke every terrible aspect of the crash in a single description. The bump was admitted to be quite forceful and strategic. His reaction ignited criticism over Stewart’s choice to go after the bump first instead of the ball.
The ordeal caused Anderson to appear shaken and to be in distress. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, despite clearly showing the effects of extreme pain. This incident may now put Stewart at the mercy of the league’s kangaroo court. As these collisions became unavoidable, the AFL took action to protect player safety by altering the rules of the game.
If aggressive play were to go unpunished, AFL great Gary Ablett Jr., who witnessed the collision, was understandably upset about the long-term follow through. See what former Hawthorn star Jordan Lewis had to say about the nature of the hit. Providing further context to the importance of avoiding injury, he added, “It’s only in that rib area.”
The bump has sparked a debate among commentators regarding its classification and impact on Stewart’s reputation. Renowned Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney predicted it to be “the bump of the year.” He thinks it has the potential to turn into one of the season’s defining moments.
Going in, the match had incredibly high stakes for both teams. Stewart’s choice to lay a clean yet heavy hit was an unfortunate turn in the game but arguably the most surprising decision. Fans and analysts alike are watching intently as space falls out of favor. It is sincerely their hope that AFL officials will do a deeper review.
