Brayden Maynard's friend and brother of AFL player handed lifetime ban over pitch invasion
Conor Clarke has been handed a lifetime ban for running onto the pitch during Collingwood's win over North.
The close friend of Collingwood star Brayden Maynard has been handed with a lifetime ban from the AFL after running onto the field during the Pies' epic comeback win over North Melbourne. Conor Clarke, who is also the brother of young Western Bulldogs player Charlie Clarke, was caught by security at Marvel Stadium on Sunday and as a result of his actions must now come to terms with never being able to watch his brother or close mate play live again.
In a viral video uploaded to social media, Clarke is seen dodging a few security guards before slipping over and being escorted from the field. After the game, he then posed for a picture with Maynard - who had just played his 200th game - with grass stains on his knee from his fall.
In an interview with 7NEWS, Clarke was asked about why he ran onto the field, to which he replied that it was “just for a laugh.” The AFL, however, wasn't so amused and on Tuesday handed down a lifetime ban from AFL/AFLW games. The sanction can be reviewed in five years time, on June 18, 2029.
It is just the latest of several instances of fans entering the field of play in 2024 alone. A 22-year-old man was recently given a lifetime ban from attending games after he ran onto Adelaide Oval and disrupted play during the Crows’ clash with Geelong on March 22. While two fans also jumped the fence and ran onto the field in separate incidents during the Easter Monday clash between Geelong and Hawthorn.
Earlier this year AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the league will not tolerate pitch invasions and they are not afraid to ban patrons for life who engage in the disruptive and potentially dangerous behaviour. “We’re gonna come down hard and you know the life ban is the default position for us now with anyone who jumps on the ground during a match,” he said in April.
Brayden Maynard's 200th celebration comes with tinge of sadness
The Pies pulled off their second-biggest comeback in club history to move into the top four, coming back from 54 points down to beat North Melbourne 18.11 (119) to 19.4 (118). The incredible victory was extra special in that it came in Maynard's 200th career game.
But the divisive figure amongst rival AFL clubs showed his softer side after the game when he revealed in a post-game interview that he'd recently lost one of his good mates. “I absolutely love this club, I love these boys,” he said as he choked back tears.
“I’m getting a little bit emotional because it’s been a big couple of weeks for me. I’ve had a good mate of mine pass away to mental health issues.
“So, Deb, Amy and Bomber, if you’re watching this, my heart goes out to you and all your family. Much love from the Collingwood family and the whole AFL community, we’re sending you all our love, endless amount of hugs every day.
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“It’s more than a game, it’s more than just 200 games for the black and white. I do this for my family, my friends, and the whole Collingwood supporter base, and these boys here and the coaching staff. Really emotional and I just want to get in there now and celebrate with the boys.”
