Sydney have had defender Tom McCartin’s two-game tough conduct ban overturned, with the AFL tribunal ruling the collision that floored Shane McAdam was not a bump.
The Adelaide ahead will want surgical procedure after he suffered a depressed cheekbone fracture within the incident, which occurred in the course of the frenetic final quarter of Sydney’s controversial one-point win.
The Swans efficiently argued the collision was an accident, brought on by McCartin having to vary path as he was chasing the ball.
McCartin was dealing with suspension for Sydney’s dwelling recreation on Sunday towards Melbourne after which their elimination last, which means the ban might have ended his season.
“Although when viewed from certain angles this action looks like a bump, we heard McCartin’s explanation and looked at the footage and the stills showing all angles, we are not satisfied it was a bump,” the tribunal stated in its ruling.
“We find … that the way in which McCartin responded to a late and sharp change in direction of the ball was not unreasonable.
“There was little else he might moderately do than himself change path, decelerate and journey the inevitable impression, which he did.”
Also on Tuesday night, the Western Bulldogs unsuccessfully challenged defender Taylor Duryea’s one-game rough conduct ban for his bump on West Coast forward Jamie Cripps.
It means Duryea will miss the Bulldogs’ must-win game against Geelong on Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium.
They must also rely on Carlton beating GWS to make the finals.
The tribunal found Duryea bumped Cripps so he could gain possession and that the contact was forceful.
“Although Cripps was not injured, he suffered a forceful excessive blow and was knocked off his toes. The potential for a concussion or facial damage was not insignificant on condition that he was uncovered and Duryea was coming at velocity,” it added.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
