Magpies star Brayden Maynard accused of staging as fans call on AFL to fine Collingwood player

Footy fans are calling for Pies star Brayden Maynard to be fined after the he appeared to go to the ground easily in order to win a free-kick against the Suns on Saturday night.

The one-time All Australian has a habit of getting under the sin of AFL supporters - and he succeeded in doing that again in the Sun's 14.17 (101) to 13.12 (90) win over the Pies. 

Just a week after Melbourne defender Steven May received a hefty $1875 fine for staging, some supporters were calling for Maynard to also be sanctioned.

During the second quarter, Maynard was involved in some push and shove with Gold Coast player Ben Long.

Long pushed Maynard in his midsection, and the Collingwood player fell to the ground dramatically and appeared to hold his head. 

'Fine incoming for staging for Maynard? Grabbing his head and trying to sell it as a high hit,' posted one fan on X.

'Maynard can give it but he can't receive it,' replied another.

'Maynard better be fined for staging. That was pathetic,' wrote a third.

'So will the AFL fine Maynard for staging or let him get away just like the sling tackle?' said another.

Comebacks have been a specialty of the Craig McRae reign at the Pies but his premiers were unable to add another to their resume on the Gold Coast.

Down by 32 points late in the third term, the Magpies kicked six straight goals to lead by one point with four minutes remaining.

The Suns, having seen North Melbourne surrender a 54-point lead a fortnight ago, had other ideas.

A 68-50 inside-50 count eventually told, Gold Coast kicking the final two goals to win by 11 points.

McRae is proud of his side's never-say-die culture but frustrated that they continue to put themselves in tricky positions.

 'It's pretty obvious ... you look at the intent, the pressure in the last quarter,' he said.

'Why aren't we delivering that in the second quarter?

'You wrestle with this stuff.

'Sixty-eight inside 50s is a lot to give up; we'd struggle to win any game.

'So there's a natural emotion of, 'come on, let's get busy'.'