BEYOND THE BOUNDARY – SEPTEMBER 9
Werribee Centrals small forward Josh MacDonald will miss Saturday’s GDFNL grand final against East Geelong after failing in his bid to have his suspension for an incident in last week’s preliminary final win over Winchelsea.
MacDonald, who has kicked 32 goals in playing all 21 games this year, could have accepted a two-match sanction, with an early guilty plea, for an incident that left Winchelsea’s Tom Rouget with a broken jaw.
However, he chose to challenge the ban at the AFL Barwon Tribunal last night, but was found guilty and handed a three-match suspension, which the Centurions have confirmed they won’t appeal.
“Josh has been with us since Glen Orden went into recess a few years back,” coach Rhyce Prismall, who labelled the incident “out of character”, said.
“He rarely misses a game, even though he’s over 30 years old. He’s got a young family. He works full-time for the council, long hours.
“He’s always put footy at the top of his mind and sacrificed a lot, so it’s really disappointing.
“He’s very much an internal club favourite as well. He’s a very humble man for his ability.
“It’s disappointing for him, but he’s chosen not to challenge any further.
“He just wants the boys to get on with the job and win this week for the club.
Prismall has confirmed Kai Gomes Pattiyage will return from a head knock sustained in the qualifying final loss to the Eagles
The Centurions also have to make a call on the talented Blake Taylor, who will undergo a fitness test at training tonight in the hope of proving he’s overcome a hamstring injury suffered against East.
“BT, he’s a very good player,” Prismall said.
“He’s been in the senior program for a long time, so if he’s right to go, he will be picked.”
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