No one could doubt Charlie Cameron's bravery after returning to the field with a badly injured arm in Brisbane's AFL semi-final against Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But questions were raised about what was fair game on the field after umpires controversially warned the Giants' Adam Kennedy for targeting the winged Lions small forward during Brisbane's 12.11 (83) to 11.14 (80) loss on Saturday night.
Cameron appeared to hyper-extend his elbow when his arm was caught awkwardly with teammate Lachie Neale just two minutes into the contest.
The livewire All-Australian's game looked over before it could begin but he returned to the field barely six minutes later with his elbow heavily strapped.
He earned kudos for his gutsy decision to get back on the field, kicking a major that helped the Lions grab the first-term lead after the Giants' whirlwind four-goal start despite appearing in great discomfort.
However, eyebrows were raised when the umpires appeared to make Cameron a protected species as he gingerly nursed his arm, warning Kennedy in the second term for targeting the wounded X-factor.
"You've been warned. If you knock his arm it is against the spirit of the game. If you continually knock his arm I will pay a free kick," umpire Shaun Ryan could be heard saying.
It seemed to be double standards, with the Lions' Nick Robertson appearing to manhandle the Giants' Lachie Whitfield but escaping censure.
Whitfield didn't get special treatment despite nursing a sore back after earlier copping a knee from Lions forward Eric Hipwood in a contest.
Experts weren't happy with the precedent set by Ryan on Saturday night.
"This isn't excessive or extraordinary (contact from Kennedy). This is a final for God's sake, what is that umpire talking about?," former Melbourne great Garry Lyon told Fox Footy.
"Moments after (the warning) Cameron comes charging through in a 50-50 contest and sets up a goal.
"That is a nonsense from the umpire."
Richmond great Matthew Richardson told the Seven Network: "It's not tiddlywinks.
"The umpire doesn't even need to be involved in that though. Just get involved if there's a clear free kick. Otherwise, just stay out of it!"
However, some critics believed Kennedy's tactics drew parallels with Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton copping a ban for pinching Essendon opponent Orazio Fantasia in June.
Stratton was strongly criticised for his treatment of Fantasia, with retired St Kilda great and ABC commentator Nathan Burke saying pinching was not a good look for the game.
The rules confirmed Kennedy was in the wrong on Saturday, indicating a free kick can be awarded if a player makes unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an injured opposition player.
In the end, the tactics didn't stop Cameron kicking key two goals but it was not enough to keep Brisbane alive in their first finals campaign in 10 years.
Australian Associated Press