During a recent match at Adelaide Oval, Melbourne captain Max Gawn found himself in an on-field exchange with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley. This crazy home run happened during an intense brawl that was reminiscent of the rivalry’s previous contentious meetings between the two ballclubs.
Gawn’s dangerous tackle free kick given away just before full time Additionally, the exchange took place immediately after Gawn’s dangerous tackle free kick occurred on the last siren. After passing Hinkley on the way to the huddle at quarter-time, Gawn had a few choice words for the Port Adelaide coaching panel. That triggered a scene where his teammate on that day, Jake Lever, had to intervene. In the moment, however, Lever moved Gawn from the scene, trying to cool things before they could escalate further.
Gawn’s recent history on the field has been filled with drama. Only last week, he got into a fight with his teammate Steven May. The incident led to widespread discussion about the culture among players in the Melbourne Football Club. Some would even recall the most violent, body contacting, head smashing, Gawn versus Port Adelaide players from 2019. Melbourne authorities are presently still working to discern exactly what tactics Hinkley employed in that game.
The Port Adelaide coach has a reputation for his hot-headed on-field fisticuffs. He even had a $20,000 fine hanging over him for a memorable fracas with Hawthorn players. Gawn played down the importance of his recent kerfuffle with Hinkley. He implied it was simply a consequence of the game’s natural cutthroat competitiveness.
Mitch Cleary reported, “Now, I’ve spoken to both parties today. The Power believe this is just ongoing banter and by-play between Ken and Max that they’ve had in the past.” People who consider themselves unremarkable are in fact engaging in extraordinary relationships. Rather, they view them as an extension of their gamesmanship.
Given Gawn’s approach to the incident, it was all in good fun as he joked about the scene with Hinkley. Observers say this latest episode adds unforeseen complexity to Gawn’s new dynamic with his teammates. It illuminates his dealings with challengers.
“Gawn has words with those in the direction of the Port Adelaide coaching staff,” – Mitch Cleary
“And it’s his teammate on this occasion, Jake Lever, who has to usher Gawn and drag him away from the incident.” – Mitch Cleary
“Everyone around this feels this is more isolated, but it is just another layer isn’t it around exactly what has happened between Max and the footy club in the past,” – Mitch Cleary
