AFL Player Suspensions: Where are we at?

Izak Rankine

Adelaide midfielder Izak Rankine was suspended for four games by the AFL Tribunal. Rankine was charged with rough conduct following a fiery clash with Brisbane’s Brandon Starcevich at the Gabba in round 17. The Match Review Officer assessed the incident as intentional, with high contact and severe impact, offering Rankine a four-game suspension. Despite the Club’s fervent argument that Rankine’s actions were careless rather than intentional, the Tribunal stood firm on the ban. After the Tribunal passed its verdict, Crows Head of Football, Adam Kelly, expressed deep regret over the incident, highlighting Rankine’s remorse and heartfelt apology to Starcevich. “Tonight was never about seeking to have Izak cleared,” Kelly said, emphasizing the Club’s acceptance of the decision. Rankine should return in round 22.

Joel Smith

In February 2024, Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) charged Smith with three anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) related to the alleged trafficking or attempted trafficking of cocaine. Additionally, Smith was notified of another ADRV for possession of cocaine on September 9, 2022. The 27-year-old has been suspended since October 2023, following a positive cocaine test after Melbourne’s round 20 victory over Hawthorn on August 20. The ongoing SIA investigation could result in a minimum four-year ban for Smith if he is found guilty of trafficking or attempted trafficking.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Joel Smith of the Demons celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL First Semi Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 15, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Jack Petruccelle and Jack Hutchison

The West Coast Eagles accepted one-match suspensions for Jack Petruccelle and Jack Hutchinson following incidents in Saturday night’s RAC Derby. Petruccelle was cited for rough conduct on Fremantle’s Sean Darcy in the first quarter, deemed Careless Conduct with Medium Impact and High Contact by the Match Review Officer. Similarly, Hutchinson faced a rough conduct charge for a fourth-quarter incident involving Andrew Brayshaw, also classified as Careless Conduct with Medium Impact and High Contact. Both players will miss Friday night’s home game against Gold Coast.

Alex Davies

Alex Davies was unsuccessful in overturning his three-game suspension for a clumsy run-in with Port Adelaide’s Lachie Jones during Sunday’s match. The incident was deemed forceful front-on contact, classified as careless conduct, severe impact, and high contact, resulting in the ban. Despite Port’s counsel arguing that Davies was contesting the ball and the contact was reasonable, the Tribunal disagreed. They concluded that while Davies was contesting the ball, his method was unreasonable, thereby upholding the suspension. Jones was poised over a loose ball when Davies collided with him at high speed, causing Jones to hit the turf and be substituted out with a concussion after failing a head injury assessment. This match marked Davies’ return to the senior team since round 11, following strong VFL performances.

More in the Umpiring, MRP and Tribunal board.