Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom says “you can’t” ask gamers to alter the best way they method contests regardless of a probably finals-ending suspension looming for teammate Brayden Maynard following his collision with Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw final Thursday.
As the Magpies put together to defend Maynard on the AFL tribunal on Tuesday evening, Sidebottom mentioned there was full concern at his membership for Brayshaw, who has a historical past of concussion points that put his profession in jeopardy after being knocked out on the MCG.
But Sidebottom mentioned it was “near-on impossible” to keep away from some accidents occurring on the sector and defended Maynard, who jumped within the air to spoil a kick from Brayshaw after which collided with him on the best way down.
“The game happens so fast and there’s times when things happen that you almost can’t control,” Sidebottom mentioned.
“It‘s a 360-degree game, there’s guys coming from everywhere and sometimes it’s unfortunate that things like that happen.
“That’s the game that we play and accidents are going to happen.
“He was making a play at the footy and it was a footy play.”
Sidebottom mentioned Maynard was a good participant and the results of the collision was “just unfortunate” as debate rages over whether or not the Magpie defender needs to be suspended.
But 307-game veteran Sidebottom mentioned none of his teammates can be shocked into altering how they performed regardless of the potential for Maynard to get a three-match, finals-ending suspension.
“Not at all. You can’t really,” he mentioned.
“There’s rules in place and unfortunately things are going to happen that you can’t always control.”
Even 4 days on from final Thursday’s nailbiting win over the Demons, Sidebottom conceded he was a “bit sore” and the additional week earlier than the preliminary ultimate can be a bonus.
“With finals pressure I still feel a little bit sore today, so to be able to have a week off and rest is going to be good for everyone,” Sidebottom advised reporters on Monday.
“If you ask any team, they would‘ve preferred to have the week off. We’ll definitely use it as an advantage.”
He mentioned celebrity Nick Daicos can be the primary beneficiary as he regarded to return from a knee damage.
Daicos has stepped up his operating in latest days and appears set to play within the preliminary ultimate towards the winner of the conflict between Port Adelaide and GWS.
“I’m sure he’s happy that we got the result. It gives him an extra week to get ready,” Sidebottom mentioned.
“Nick‘s an ultimate professional and we’ve got such good people at this footy club that have the best interests for him.
“I’m sure if he wasn’t right then they wouldn’t be rolling him out to play, but it’s just good that we get that extra week now for him to get himself right.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
