Frampton Cleared by Tribunal After “Accidental” Tackle Leaves Mihocek Injured
Collingwood defender Billy Frampton has been cleared to play after the AFL tribunal ruled that his tackle on Melbourne forward Brody Mihocek, which resulted in a fractured neck for Mihocek, was not considered unreasonable. The incident, which occurred during a recent match, led to a significant injury for Mihocek, requiring surgery and effectively ending his season.
During a hearing on Wednesday night, Frampton recounted his immediate concern for Mihocek, a teammate from Collingwood’s 2023 premiership side, upon realising the severity of the injury. “He said he needed help, [and] he couldn’t move, which was quite a distressing thing to hear,” Frampton stated. He added that Mihocek repeated this several times, prompting his urgent reaction to call for medical assistance.
The AFL’s Match Review Officer, Michael Christian, had initially handed Frampton a three-match suspension, grading the tackle as careless and high with severe impact. However, the tribunal ultimately determined that Mihocek’s injury was the result of an “accidental impact” that was “not reasonably avoidable.”
Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC highlighted several factors in their decision. “We find that the majority of the force was provided by Mihocek,” Gleeson stated. He also noted that two field umpires had a clear view of the tackle and did not award a free kick for a dangerous tackle, nor did any Melbourne players remonstrate with Frampton. While acknowledging that such observations aren’t always definitive, Gleeson pointed out that the tackle occurred in open space, not in a congested pack, making it a one-on-one situation.
“Most accidental impact on the football field results in no injury. This accidental impact resulted in a dreadful injury to Brody Mihocek,” Gleeson conceded. “It was, however, not reasonably avoidable.”
The AFL, represented by counsel Nick Pane KC, had argued that the tackle was inherently dangerous, that Mihocek was in a vulnerable position, and that excessive force was used in rotating him into the ground. Pane suggested that once the tackle began, Frampton, aware of Mihocek’s head position and body angle, should have released his arms to avoid contributing to the impact.
Collingwood’s representative, Myles Tehan, countered this by emphasising Frampton’s actions and character, describing the incident as a “terribly unfortunate football incident.” Tehan argued that the tackle evolved from an attempt to corral Mihocek, who was low to the ground, into something else when Mihocek attempted to drive through the tackle and lift his head. He also pointed out that neither of Frampton’s arms were pinned, allowing him to brace, and that Mihocek’s body landed primarily on top of Frampton, which would ordinarily offer protection.
Frampton expressed his deep regret and distress over the incident, stating he would “never in a million years want to hurt another player.” He described feeling “horrific” upon realising the potential seriousness of Mihocek’s injury. “I don’t know what else I could’ve done. I approached cautiously with his care front of mind, I didn’t want to hit him in the head, I didn’t want to go front on,” Frampton explained. He admitted the past few days had been stressful but felt a sense of relief upon hearing that Mihocek was recovering well.
Mihocek, 33, reportedly lost feeling in some limbs after being knocked unconscious when the top of his head was driven into the ground. The incident caused a significant delay in the match, with medics attending to Mihocek for eight minutes. He was carefully transported off the ground and subsequently underwent surgery. Melbourne confirmed that Mihocek had since been out of his hospital bed and was walking, though his return-to-play timeline remains “indefinite.”
This was Mihocek’s first game against his former club, and players from both teams offered well wishes before he was taken from the ground. Senior Collingwood leaders and players have also been in contact with Mihocek, expressing their relief at his positive post-surgery progress.
The incident sparked debate, with figures like former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire arguing on television that the ban should be overturned, labelling it a clear accident. McGuire, reviewing the footage, noted that Mihocek fell and pushed forward, and that in the current climate of player protection, standing still in such situations is not feasible, making it an unavoidable accident.
Collingwood had engaged with the AFL, Melbourne Football Club, Mihocek, and his family to explain their challenge to the initial suspension. The club’s representatives presented evidence and arguments that ultimately persuaded the tribunal to clear Frampton.
