Elton Johns Wig
Premiership Ruckman
- Moderator
- #326
No, I actually said to a mate yesterday this outcome has nothing to do with Richmond, it's about the game itself.The whole process was moot with him out for the next 2 months anyway. The only thing on the line today was the BF Richmond persecution complex.
Maybe the whole thing isn't a Steve Hocking, brother of Chris Scott-run conspiracy after all.
Keath only intention was to impede. He got very unlucky, and I hope he's ok.
Lynch never deviated off his line, never clenched his fists, didn't follow through. It was self preservation after already being in the air after failing to affect the marking contest.
People need to understand that incidental and accidental contact can still happen in this game, where someone is unfortunately hurt, but it wasn't a bump, and there was no intent.
All players have a duty of care to their opponents, that is a given. And I for one welcome the crackdown on head high contact (i.e. no issue with Broad 4 weeks, it was the right punishment)
BUT
Players also have a duty of care to themselves. Tom (or any player) caught in a position where someone comes from the peripheral, should not leave themselves open or exposed. They have the right to brace for contact.
Poor technique is hurting people. We saw it in the Cats/Hawks game on Monday, the head clash between Nash and I think it was Bews? Both went in with head unprotected/leading. Gone are the days where players turn side on and tuck in behind the shoulder. The rules around head contact have actually made technique worse. Because now the act of protecting yourself can be used against you.