Debate rages as St Kilda forward cops dangerous tackle ban

Debate rages as St Kilda forward cops dangerous tackle ban

The AFL’s crackdown on harmful tackles has claimed St Kilda ahead Dan Butler, who faces a one-game tough conduct ban.

Butler ran down Sydney defender Nick Blakey within the third time period of Thursday night time’s win over the Swans on the SCG.

Blakey’s head hit the bottom within the incident, which was graded as careless conduct, medium impression and excessive contact.

Commentator Jason Dunstall stated on Thursday night time he could be “horrified” if Butler was suspended for the sort out.

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“I’d be really concerned with where the game’s going if he gets rubbed out for that tackle. I’d be horrified,” Dunstall stated on Fox Footy.

“I was watching that passage of play and I thought Dan Butler was brilliant the way he stayed in the hunt, because it looked like he was out and he just kept in there, in there, in there.

“And eventually, he makes the tackle, momentum takes him to ground. He’s got no option here. I don’t know.

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“I don’t get what the options are there, other than not tackling. And I would have thought if we say don’t tackle, well, then we may as well give up the game.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Dan Butler of the Saints handballs during the round 13 AFL match between Sydney Swans and St Kilda Saints at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 08, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Camera IconSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 08: Dan Butler of the Saints handballs through the spherical 13 AFL match between Sydney Swans and St Kilda Saints at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 08, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images by way of AFL Photos) Credit: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

A free kick was paid towards Butler.

The Swans backman left the sphere and was substituted out of the sport, however coach John Longmire stated Blakey handed his concussion check and he was taken off due to a toe damage.

Butler is the newest participant to be suspended this season because the AFL cracks down on tackling, amid heightened considerations about concussion in sport.

Source: www.perthnow.com.au