Voss Calls Out Durham's Hit as Bombers Wait for Verdict
The round 13 clash between Carlton and Essendon at the MCG wasn't short on drama, but it was a controversial moment involving Sam Durham and Adam Cerra that has the footy world buzzing. I'm talking about that heavy bump from Durham that sent Cerra sprawling in the second quarter — a hit that may now see the Bomber facing serious consequences from the Match Review Officer.
Let me break it down for you — Essendon’s Sam Durham opted to bump rather than tackle Carlton’s Adam Cerra while he was reaching for a ground ball. It wasn’t just a regular bump; Durham’s shoulder made high contact, catching Cerra in a vulnerable position. The impact left Cerra on the ground, dazed, and eventually heading to the rooms before halftime for a medical check. Although Carlton said Cerra passed the Head Injury Assessment and didn’t show signs of concussion, the bump itself has triggered a big reaction.
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Now here’s where the commentary gets really interesting. Essendon coach Brad Scott? He’s taken a hands-off approach, choosing not to even watch a replay of the bump. “I’ve got enough to focus on,” he said, stressing that decisions like these should be left to the officials. He went on to say players today face some of the toughest split-second decisions in AFL history. Scott argued that while they encourage their players to go hard at the contest, the emphasis is on making the ball the objective, not the man.
Carlton coach Michael Voss, on the other hand, didn’t mince his words. “It’s black and white — you just can’t do that anymore,” he said post-match. And he’s not wrong. The AFL has been clear about protecting the head, and this was the kind of incident the league is trying to eliminate. Voss acknowledged the challenge of coaching differently in today’s game, but made it clear that safety comes first. He said coaches need to train players to avoid contact that risks head injury — even if it means letting the opponent get to the ball first.
The response from commentators echoed Voss’s stance. Port Adelaide legend Kane Cornes labeled the bump “old school” — something that should’ve been left in the past. And Garry Lyon took it further, questioning whether Cerra should’ve been allowed to continue after such a hit.
Despite the controversy, the Blues came out on top — just. They held on for an eight-point win after nearly coughing up a 38-point lead. Blake Acres nailed a clutch goal in the final term, and while the Bombers kept fighting, they just couldn’t get over the line. It was a thrilling contest, but the post-game talk is all about that bump.
As the footy world waits for the MRO verdict, one thing’s clear: the game is evolving, and what was once part of footy’s rough-and-tumble fabric is now under the microscope. Durham’s hit may have been instinctive, but in 2025, that’s no longer enough to avoid scrutiny.
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