AFL finals: Angus Brayshaw concussed in Brayden Maynard incident early in Melbourne’s clash with Collingwood

Angus Brayshaw has been knocked out in a brutal incident that’s set to split the footy world, with Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard facing scrutiny.

Magpies defender Maynard jumped in the air to smother the ball as Brayshaw broke from a centre-bounce and kicked forward, his momentum taking him into his opponent.

Maynard’s right shoulder made contact with Brayshaw’s face and jaw.

Brayshaw, who has a history of concussions and wears a protective helmet, was taken off the ground on a stretcher.

He was left lying on his back as teammate Bayley Fritsch kicked the Demons’ first goal of the night.

Reports from the boundary suggest Brayshaw is now back on his feet and walking around the Melbourne change-rooms.

Seven analysts Patrick Dangerfield and Matthew Richardson were in agreement that Maynard would escape sanction despite Brayshaw being ruled out of the game.

“In my view, there is nothing in this,” Dangerfield said, before Richardson asked: “What else can he do?”

Kane Cornes agreed, taking to social media to suggest Maynard would have no case to answer.

“Nothing else Maynard could have done there. Thoughts with Brayshaw - but a non-story in terms of a suspension,” he posted.

But some footy fans were left raging at Maynard’s act.

Brayshaw gave a thumbs-up as he left the field. But league concussion protocols mean if the Demons lose, Brayshaw will be unavailable for a semifinal next week.

Maynard and Jack Viney came to blows during the delay, the Demons leader left with a torn jumper.

Small forward Bailey Laurie was activated as Melbourne’s substitute soon after the clash.

Western Australian Demons forward Jacob van Rooyen will also face scrutiny for an elbow to the jaw of Collingwood’s Dan McStay.

The pair met front-on battling for a ground-ball, with the Demon’s elbow swinging back before making contact.

McStay came off the ground for a head injury assessment, but returned to play the second quarter.

To add to the chaos, Collingwood star Jordan de Goey limped away from the same centre-bounce with a lower-leg injury, but was cleared to return.

More to come