Over 13,500 AFL tackles have been made in 2015, some have ending in concussion, broken ribs and suspension… Here are the top 5 most brutal AFL tackles in recent years…
#1 Bryce Gibbs vs Robbie Gray
In June 2015, Carlton’s Bryce Gibbs faced a two-match ban after his tackle knocked Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray unconscious. He was also accused of pinning down during the tackle, a move forbidden in Aussie Rules Football.
Violent tackles like this have lead AFL to enforce harsher penalties in the game. In 2016 there will be stricter punishment for sling and high tackles in order to reduce the amount of serious injuries.
Here’s the clip which documents one of the most brutal Aussie Rules tackles.
#2 Jay Schulz vs Ted Richards
Sydney defender Ted Richards was taken off the field in a stretcher after a confrontation with Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz.
During the meet in June 2015, Richards was knocked out when his head hit the ground after Schulz’s sling tackle.
After review Schulz was clear of the penalty, but AFL later claimed that he should have been suspended.
#3 Jack Ziebell vs Aaron Joseph
North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell was banned for four matches after his high bump on Carlton’s Aaron Joseph. There was some debate around whether this tackle was legal or not.
The negative verdict resulted in many of his team mates and peers voicing their discontent with the decision. This marks the third time in two years that Ziebell has been penalised for ‘airborne bumps’.
#4 Barry Hall
Former Australian Rules Football player Barry Hall is legendary for his scoring record (100 goals for three different AFL teams) and fiesty temper.
The former boxer caused several controversies with his angry outbursts, which earned him a reputation as AFL’s most feared player.
One amongst his several tribunal appearances, here is Barry Hall’s punch to West Coast Eagles’s striker Brent Staker:
#5 Courtenay Dempsey vs Brett Deledio
In August 2015, Essendon’s Courtenay Dempsey was accused of sling tackling Richmond player Brett Deledio.
This violent sling tackle resulted in a tribunal where the review panel said Dempsey’s actions showed “careless conduct, severe impact and high contact”. Dempsey was sentenced to a four-match ban.
So there are the top 5 most brutal Aussie Rules tackles, do you have any others that stand out in the game’s history? Comment below!
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