Both players were influential as the Fremantle Dockers arranged an unlikely Anzac Day clash with the Adelaide Crows. Here’s how Levis fought through an unforeseen field invasion and still put together a phenomenal effort. The game at Optus Stadium included an unbelievable finish to the second quarter. Brayshaw was awarded a free kick in the process after Crows player Mitch Hinge knocked him out with what many commentators termed a left hook or an uppercut.
What a way to cap off the organization’s annual Len Hall Tribute game. This event was renamed to honor Arthur Leggett, a veteran of WWII who just recently died at the amazing age of 106. Before the match, a beautiful and poignant ceremony paid tribute to Anzac Day. Representatives Fremantle members who had served in the armed forces took a lap of honor, pride evident as they appeared before a stadium full to capacity.
Brayshaw’s stats on the game could barely encapsulate the impact he made on the field. He racked up a game-high 37 disposals, had six clearances and accrued a phenomenal 522 metres gained. On the defensive side, his five tackles spearheaded an aggressive showing by Fremantle defensively. Brayshaw’s great play catalyzed his team’s 18-point win over Adelaide.
Not even the run in with Hinge could slow Brayshaw down as he produced a match-winning performance. For this, he was awarded the Arthur Leggett Medal for best-on-ground, receiving maximum votes from a panel of four judges. Fellow teammates Caleb Serong and Hayden Young formed strong arguments for the medal but were unable to collect majority votes as well.
Commentators have been weighing in on the recent Hinge incident. Instead, they’re betting that he’ll receive a hefty penalty for the cheap shot he took on Brayshaw. As injured player Nick Riewoldt said during the hit, “it’s a strike, it’s a left uppercut.” He speculated that Hinge might face consequences for his actions, saying, “So he gets a week (suspension) or he gets a fine.”
Ryan Daniels posted a very reflection on the state of the world. He argued there was little malice here at all. He said the positive was that Brayshaw was able to fight through the incident and go on to win the best-on-ground medal. He committed the free kick and, as I mentioned, it really wasn’t that bad. He played on, Brayshaw, and he won the medal (for best on ground), so couldn’t have been too bad,” Daniels commented.
This wonderful contest was not only a wonderful testament to Brayshaw’s talent, but the level of animosity that grows during a rivalry match in the AFL. The vibes at Optus Stadium were electric, as people filed in to find their seats. Yet fans still flocked to experience this historic addition to the Australian sporting calendar.
