A tough season for GFNL battlers Lara has just got tougher, with co-captain Aaron Stone suspended for two matches for an incident that left his North Shore opponent concussed in Saturday’s loss at Lara Recreation Reserve.
Stone, making his 100th senior appearance for the Cats, was cited by AFL Barwon’s Match Review Panel for rough conduct during the first quarter following a dangerous tackle that brought an early halt to Seagull Grady Clifford’s day.
The incident was assessed as careless conduct, high contact and high impact, resulting in a three-match sanction.
However, an early guilty plea earns a one-match reduction, which means Stone will miss matches against South Barwon and St Albans, either of Lara’s bye, before being free to return for the Round 12 meeting with Grovedale.
The MRP also looked at an incident that left Stone’s co-captain Sam Purdy concussed.
However, no reportable offence was identified.
With vice-captain Ryan Bell also in the concussion protocol, Darby Henderson is likely to captain Lara against the Swans.
Meanwhile, Anglesea Jordan Harrison defender will miss Saturday’s crucial clash with Drysdale after accepting a one-match ban for an incident in the shock loss to Ocean Grove.
Harrison was cited for rough conduct on Grubber Rhys Devllin during the second quarter of the clash at Ray Menzies Oval.
The incident was assessed as intentional conduct, contact to the body and medium impact, drawing a two-match suspension before the early guilty plea.
The MRP also examined a melee from the Winchelsea-Bell Post Hill clash at Eastern Reserve, but no charges were laid.
X: @krockfootball
