G’day footy fans! Let’s go over tonight’s AFL Tribunal decisions that will see some of our players missing upcoming matches.
Pick up the tribunal talk on the Umpiring, MRP and Tribunal forum ==>>
MELBOURNE forward Jacob van Rooyen is set to miss games against Hawthorn and Port Adelaide after his two-match ban for a dangerous spoil was upheld at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
The 20-year-old’s attempted spoil in a marking contest led to Gold Coast’s Charlie Ballard being taken off the field on a stretcher on Saturday night. The incident was classified as careless conduct, high contact, and high impact.
Although Ballard wasn’t concussed and is expected to play against West Coast on Friday, the AFL Tribunal, led by chairman Jeff Gleeson, found van Rooyen’s actions careless.
Meanwhile, Geelong forward Brad Close failed to overturn his one-match ban for a dangerous tackle and will miss Friday night’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
Blues defender Nic Newman was up next to challenge his one-match ban for his strike on Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale on Friday night.
Image: Channel 7
Newman overturned the suspension and is free to play.
Finally, Port Adelaide forward Junior Rioli faces a lengthy suspension after being sent directly to the AFL Tribunal for striking Essendon’s Jordan Ridley. Rioli’s case will be heard on Wednesday evening.
As we look forward to the next round of games, let’s hope our favourite players can stay out of trouble and continue to provide us with the footy action we all love.
