The Adelaide Crows have announced their intention to challenge Max Michalanney's one-match ban for striking Lion Charlie Cameron in the first quarter of his side's semi-final loss to Brisbane.
Amid the early onslaught the Lions subjected the Crows to, the father-son Crow appeared to gut-punch Cameron - an act heavily scrutinised by the league since Greg Swann entered the fold.
The precedent is strong, but the Crows clearly believe their are grounds for overturning the one-match ban.
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Young Tiger Luke Trainor, veteran Hawks Dylan Moore and James Sicily, and Eagle Harry Schoenberg were all cited for the same action this season, and all were handed one-match bans.
Schoenberg's offence occurred in the pre-season, with his ban evidencing just how intent the incoming Swann was on stamping the action out of the game.
A lengthier pre-season could be just what the out-of-form defender needs, after experiencing regression in his game this season. Michalanney's instincts, one-on-one nous and general impact on a given contest appeared to desert him in his fourth year at the level, with the accompanying frustration potentially a subconscious motivator for the brain fade he experienced against the Lions.
The club will challenge Max Michalanney’s one-match ban at the AFL Tribunal. https://t.co/ppi2oDZeXh
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) September 14, 2026
The Crows will be licking their wounds, after the loss to the Lions spelled the end of club legend Taylor Walker's illustrious career, and halted any momentum generated by the elimination final victory over the Western Bulldogs, a week prior.
The club have, however, ended recent speculation regarding coach Matthew Nicks' tenure, in a letter to members the day after their campaign ended.
