Round 10 Tribunal Results

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

TRIBUNAL
Charges Laid:

Ryan Crowley (FRE), bumping or making forceful contact from front-on against Magpie Simon Prestigiacomo: assessed as reckless conduct (two points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point), equaling four points, a Level One offense,125 demerits and a one game suspension. He has 93.75 demerits held over from within the last 12 months, increasing the penalty to 218.75 demerits and a two game suspension. He accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 164.06 demerits and a one game suspension.

Brodie Holland (COL), a second offense for making negligent contact with umpire Matthew James: a second offense incurs a $4400 fine. He accepted, reducing the fine 25% to $3300.

Alan Didak (COL), charging Docker Paul Hasleby: assessed as negligent conduct (one point), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point), equaling three points, a Level One offense, 125 demerits and a one game suspension. He has a record of two matches suspended within the last three years, increasing the penalty by 20% to 150 demerits and a one game suspension. Had he accepted, the penalty would have been reduced 25% to 112.50 demerits and a one game suspension.

Didak took his case to the Tribunal. Testifying on his behalf, umpire Matthew James stated he did not believe Didak's bump on Hasleby was reportable, although he did pay a downfield free kick for the incident and told Didak at the time that the bump was unnecessary. Video footage showed Didak chasing Docker Scott Thornton, then change direction at the last minute to intercept Hasleby, who was trying to block for Thornton. Just as Thornton kicked the ball, video footage showed Didak's upper arm make contact to Hasleby's back, sending him to the ground. While James saw no need to book Didak, he observed that the video showed Didak had altered his course only a few steps from his original line of direction and reiterated that there was no need of a report.

Under questioning, Didak agreed he deliberately changed his course to make contact with Hasleby, but stated that the game is a contact sport and that he would have expected contact in similar situations.  After being pressed several times, Didak agreed that the contact had been unnecessary, but his blow to Hasleby was not forceful. Didak's advocate also argued that such contact happens every week. Didak also referred to the brawl with Carlton several weeks ago when Carlton forward Brendan Fevola bumped him heavily. He pointed out that both he and Fevola were only fined at the time. The Tribunal panel ruled that Didak's action did not constitute a charge, and dismissed the report.

Justin Westhoff (PA), reported for charging Hawthorn's Clinton Young: the incident was reviewed by the MRP. The panel ruled that Westhoff was running in from the side to a marking contest for the ball. He had his eyes on the ball at all times until a split second before making contact with Young. When he realized contact would be unavoidable. Westhoff turned to protect himself and the incident was deemed as not reportable and the charge was thrown out.

Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release, Melbourne Age & Herald Sun