Merrett Cleared

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

How the hell did Merrett get cleared for his hit on Pedersen, or am I the crazy one here?

The MRP said it was a legitimate attempt to spoil.

See the incident here.

Edited August 4, 2014 by Clint Bizkit

[beelzebub 22,542]

salt into wounds !!

[iv'a worn smith 1,979]

unbelievable. It goes to show, if your from a lowly club, you just don't rate, even at the MRP. The fact that they could even cite Viney for his non-bump, yet let this go through to the keeper is an absolute disgrace. How's your nose Pedo?

[Chook 14,620]

We should do what he did at every marking contest then. We'd give away a few free kicks, but before long they wouldn't have any players left.

[Jack It 1]

Obviously you can make contact with another players head, as long as you are playing the ball. I thought all players had a duty of care to protect the head. What would constitute accidental or reckless contact?

[Deecisive 1,665]

they are obviously setting a standard that others will take advantage of and someone (else) will get hurt. Stupid to allow a player to be able knock someone silly as long as the ball is someone nearby as you break their face.

[nutbean 8,837]

head is only sometimes sacrosanct

[drdrake 3,058]

Yep this week first marking contest break Roughead's nose, old school ruling this. When I played you got taught if you can't spoil the ball hit the head hard, it will make them second guess for the next mark they go for.

[mdemonski2 403]

All players are created equal unless you represent melbourne

[Ted Lasso 17,200]

He should have gone on the impact alone, he broke Pedersons nose.

[iv'a worn smith 1,979]

On that logic, Vickery should not have gone. He was only going for the ball in the ruck contest but was simply a bad aim.

[daisycutter 28,709]

head is only sometimes sacrosanct

probably depends on whose head

mfc heads are seemingly expendable

[chook fowler 18,462]

What a farce - AFL are so hypocritical. They play favourites with interstate teams.

Not a good week - footy is doing my blood pressure major damage.

[old dee 23,118]

probably depends on whose head

mfc heads are seemingly expendable

Yes I remember one getting his jaw broken and there was not even a look taken at the incident.

[Redleg 38,194]

Yes I remember one getting his jaw broken and there was not even a look taken at the incident.

Colin Sylvia says hi. Josh Kennedy was the villain, who got off for a disgraceful act.

[jumbo returns 6,596]

That's nuts......

[Redleg 38,194]

To be honest who cares if he got off, it doesn't affect us.

[hardtack 10,186]

This will no doubt bring howls of outrage, but at the time it happened and in numerous replays, I saw no malice or intent in that incident... it was simply two blokes going at full tilt from different directions with eyes on the ball. Merret's arm was straight (not bent at the elbow) and it appeared he was trying to intercept the ball. In simple terms, it was a footballing incident.

[McQueen 17,864]

The only opportunity we had of doing anything about this was out on the field on Sunday and SFA happened about it then too.

Let it be a lesson for MFC players to fly the flag for their teammates.

Ed: I can see how the MRP would dismiss this.

Edited August 4, 2014 by McQueen

[DeeSpencer 23,565]

1. He barely gets any of the ball if at all, might just be the hit to head that moves the ball

2. The mark is already completed

3. The elbow hits flush to Pedersen's face and there's no motion towards the ball

No one ever gets a suspension thrown out for a bump due to it being a legitimate attempt to bump. It's why we have negligent and reckless gradings.

Biggest bugbear: The MRP seem to have just taken Lynch's opinion in the commentary and run with it. Guess who Merrett's manager is - Lynch of course!

[markc 975]

no way , that BS

[Chook 14,620]

This will no doubt bring howls of outrage, but at the time it happened and in numerous replays, I saw no malice or intent in that incident... it was simply two blokes going at full tilt from different directions with eyes on the ball. Merret's arm was straight (not bent at the elbow) and it appeared he was trying to intercept the ball. In simple terms, it was a footballing incident.

There doesn't need to be malice or intent. That's why there are reckless and negligent gradings.

To be honest who cares if he got off, it doesn't affect us.

Aren't you a lawyer? God help us all.

Edited August 4, 2014 by Chook

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

To be honest who cares if he got off, it doesn't affect us.

The only reason it is annoying is that you just know that somehow if the situation was reversed Pederson would be facing a couple of weeks

[daisycutter 28,709]

The only reason it is annoying is that you just know that somehow if the situation was reversed Pederson would be facing a couple of weeks

in fact if merrett had broken his wrist or finger hitting pedo's nose i'm sure pedo would have been up on a charge

[hardtack 10,186]

There doesn't need to be malice or intent. That's why there are reckless and negligent gradings.

Fair enough Chook, but the way people are reacting on here, you could be forgiven for thinking that Merret had gone at Pedersens head with his elbow cocked and no other intent than to take his man out, which is complete and utter BS. And that's not to mention the fact that many on here seem to be labouring under the illusion that there's a major conspiracy against the MFC.