Freo’s Andrew Brayshaw Can’t Eat Solids for a Month Due to Andrew Gaff’s Punch

The fallout from the AFL’s ugly Freo-West Coast derby continues.

Fremantle’s 18-year-old rookie Andrew Brayshaw is facing a month without solid food, following the jaw-breaking punch delivered by West Coast’s former Brownlow favourite Andrew Gaff off the ball.

In a statement released by the Fremantle Dockers, it has been revealed that Brayshaw will miss the rest of the season as a result of the injury.

Brayshaw underwent surgery to repair his broken jaw and three displaced teeth—which were "put back into place and splintered"—and is now recovering at home with parents.

Gaff’s strike came in the third quarter of the showdown at Optus Stadium yesterday, in which the Eagles ultimately triumphed by 58 points.

However, the victory was soured by the realisation that their star player, Gaff, had likely added an asterisk to his otherwise unimpeachable season. He’s likely to be referred to the AFL Tribunal and is expected to cop a suspension of several weeks, losing his chance at the league’s best and fairest prize.

Following yesterday’s game, Freo coach Ross Lyon described Gaff’s strike as a "king hit", saying Brayshaw was "in a real mess" in the locker room.

Gaff apologised at the end of the match, saying he "feels sick" about the incident.

"I did the wrong thing. I like to think it doesn’t indicate my character and all that but my main thought is how he is," he said.

However, commentators are now wondering if Gaff will face criminal charges, while others are debating the value of a 'red card' rule in Aussie Rules Football, given that Gaff was allowed to play the remainder of the match.

Header Image: Fox Sports