RalphiusMaximus

This may be the only game of the year where the frees run our way

Am I the only one thinking Dawes needed to take the shot rather than passing to Frawley?

Just call it a bounce, then he's tackled while bouncing and automatic holding the ball.

Think it was a striking charge from the VFL wasn't it? 1 week ban.

They do, but I'm not sure he's your type.

Four years ago, but yes. In that case the MRP used their discretionary powers to determine that there was no case to answer and it never went to the tribunal. Why they didn't do the same this time is beyond me, and the basis for my repeated claims of cowardice and moral bankruptcy on their part. THey lacked the courage to make that call and instead passed it on to the tribunal, who have gifted us this travesty.

Read back a few pages, someone quoted the AFL rules on it. No new evidence unless it was not available at the time of the first hearing or something like that.

Nope. New evidence isn't normally allowed in an appeal. They have to show that the verdict was unreasonable. That I think they can do quite easily.

MelbourneFC Article I am rather concerned about one line in particular: "It is unlikely Melbourne will appeal the penalty." Seriously, if they don't appeal this I don't know if I can continue giving them my money. Part of what I expect from the club in return for my ongoing and often sadly misplaced faith and financial contribution is that they will stand up both on and off the field. To fold on this issue and allow themselves to be steamrolled again by the corrupt AFL system goes against everything I want this team to represent.

I think Viney's attack on the ball has to be right up there.

https://twitter.com/Joseph_Patamisi/status/463633751361085440/photo/1

Someone's started a petition. Get on it folks. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/let-jack-viney-play

I wonder if the AFL is going to start handing out fines to all those players standing up for Jack? That's their usual response to criticism from within. For that matter, when will they try to hand out fines to the fans who criticise them?

I think we need to take another angle on this issue. I think that this is actually proof that the AFL is right in their obsessive protection of the head. Here we have three former players who have demonstrated their complete and utter lack of basic reasoning skills. I say bravo the AFL for picking up on the issue and taking steps to address it.

Twitter is blowing up here.

I'll happily chip in for the $5000 for the appeal. I'm sure other fans will as well.

Agree, the second part is the big issue. No reasonable person, on being presented with the evidence, could make that ruling. Clearly there has been a miscarriage of justice and an appeal must be lodged.

This is an utter disgrace, but is anyone really surprised? We know the system is broken and drastically slanted against the player.

Anyone in need of venting their fury, can I suggest the three members of the jury might be interested in your opinion? That's Wayne Henwood, Emmett Dunne and Wayne Schimmelbusch. I'm sure they have a presence online somewhere that can be contacted.

Take it to court.

Guilty. Bastards.

Should use Luke Darcy. He repeatedly beat charges at the tribunal representing himself.

I think it's got to do with the way they train them now to "put the head over the ball." Once upon a time players were taught how to come at a contest in a way that would both allow them to get the ball and protect themselves. Since they changed the rules to give free kicks to the player who dives in head-first, players have stopped taking that approach and charge in full-frontal secure in the knowledge that even if they don't win the ball they're likely to get a free kick. The rare player who does it the right way (such as Viney) finds himself being penalised and even booked for being the only player in the pack to do things correctly.

They've been doing it that way for a while now and it makes them look ridiculous. To be consistent, they should also be penalising players who cause other injuries through tackles, bumps etc. Why are we not seeing someone up before the tribunal every time an ACL snaps? That's a much more serious injury than a broken jaw.

Wojo got one week. They argued that due to the upcoming byes for the Geelong reserves any more than one week would amount to 4-6 weeks of no play with the byes added in, so the panel decided to reduce the penalty. The player would be fined for umpire contact of course.