Round 13

Luke Hodge, Hawthorn --Suspended for One Match. Baker of the St Kilda Football Club gains possession of the football and handballs it inwards to another St Kilda player. Immediately after he effects that handball he is contacted by player Hodge. That contact came about when player Hodge swung his left arm towards player Baker and we are satisfied on the balance of probabilities that his inner upper left arm made contact with the neck area of player Baker.  We are satisfied that the force of that was sufficient to knock him backwards to the ground and that that act constitutes striking and as a result of a reckless act.

As to the seriousness of this offence it was a reckless act but we note that the player did show some immediate concern to his fellow player.  No injury was sustained by player Baker but this incident was the sort of action which has the potential for injury. We note that he has one prior matter of charging at the pre-season competition in 2003.  Balancing all of those matters as best we are able, the player will be suspended for the next match that his club plays.

Brian Harris, Western Bulldogs. Suspended for Two Matches. The predominant contact is with the upper arm to the head of player Welsh and we note that the laws of Australian football prohibit such contact.  That doesn't mean to say it's necessarily reportable because of that. However, our decision is that in so bumping him predominantly to the head that constitutes an unreasonable act in the circumstances, constitutes rough play and the charge is sustained.  

As to the seriousness of this offence, it was forceful contact to the head as a result of a reckless act. There was no injury but this sort of contact has potential for serious injury.  I note the players record in round seven where he was suspended for rough play.  Now balancing all the matters in the circumstances, the player will be suspended for the next two matches.

Brendan Fevola, Carlton. Suspended for Two Matches. Player Brown bends down to pick up a loose ball which is then on the ground, and is tackled by two Carlton players. Player Wiggins is really the first tackler and Fevola immediately thereafter and he has taken forcibly to the ground. However, in the course of tackling player Brown it is our finding that on the balance of probabilities that player Fevola makes a forceful, full right arm swing, the result of which is that his lower arm makes forceful contact to the head of player Brown.  We find that he struck player Brown as a result of a reckless act and the charge is sustained.

On  the question of penalty, it's a reckless forceful contact to the head.  As to the effect on the other player and the only finding that we make is that it was forceful and we make no finding whatsoever beyond that. We note the player has an unblemished record and played some 89 games and this is his fifth season.  That unblemished record saves him from what otherwise would be a more serious penalty.  Balancing those matters as best we are able to, the player will be suspended for the next two matches in which his club participates.