Whether or not Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell will line up in round one is now in the hands of his team mates after the match review panel ruled Maxwell out for the next three matches for an incident which left young West Coast Eagle Pat McGinnity with a broken jaw. McGinnity will miss six weeks and was required to have a metal plate inserted in his jaw.
If Maxwell is to play in their round one match against Adelaide the Pies must progress through to the NAB Cup grand final. AFL Rules allow for suspensions which occur in NAB Cup and intra club matches to be served in NAB Cup matches however any carry over matches must be served in the home and away season.
Carlton’s Irish utility Setanta O’hAilpin will also miss the entire NAB Cup campaign after he was suspended for four matches after hitting and kicking fellow team-mate Cameron Cloke in an intra club match on Friday. O’hAilpin already has an indefinite suspension hanging over his head from a club imposed penalty.
Should the Blues be knocked out at some stage during the NAB Cup Setanta will have to miss games in the home and away season but will still be eligible for selection in regional challenge matches.
