A perplexed Adelaide say forward Taylor Walker’s three-game ban for a dangerous tackle is confusing for the AFL competition.
Walker and Hawthorn defender Brent Guerra were both outed for three matches on Monday, while St Kilda star Brendon Goddard, Richmond’s Daniel Jackson and Essendon’s Stuart Crameri were each offered two-game suspensions.
Walker’s sling tackle – the fourth time the key Crow has been scrutinised by the AFL match review panel this season – earnt a four-game ban, which can be reduced to three with an early plea.
Crows captain Nathan van Berlo says the suspension is confusing as Walker was awarded a free kick for holding the ball from the now-penalised tackle on Richmond defender Steven Morris.
“Probably on the weekend is the perfect example of players and maybe even umpires being not too sure on where the line is,” van Berlo told reporters on Monday.
“He gets awarded a free kick and gets a shot at goal for what seemed to be a fairly aggressive tackle, but one that was obviously deemed at the time to be within the rules.
“(Adelaide football manager) Phil Harper and the relevant people at the footy club will look at it and see if we have got a defence to mount for him.
“We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Walker, a rising influence with 37 goals for the year, was suspended for two games in round seven for a similar sling tackle which dazed Geelong backman Harry Taylor.
The 22-year-old was also reprimanded in round five for making front-on contact to a Port player – the same offence which landed Hawthorn’s Guerra in hot water last Friday night.
Guerra faces three matches on the sidelines for forceful front-on contact to Carlton’s Eddie Betts during Hawthorn’s victory.
Saint linchpin Goddard, if he makes a guilty plea, can take a two-match ban for striking North Melbourne’s Sam Wright.
Crameri can accept two matches for rough conduct with an early guilty plea, while Tiger utility Jackson had a one match penalty for striking Adelaide’s Chris Knights increased to two games due to his poor record.
Western Bulldogs midfielder Ryan Griffen faces an $1800 fine for negligent contact with an umpire.
All have until midday on Tuesday to decide to accept their penalties or challenge at the AFL Tribunal.
