GOLD Coast’s Nick Holman, Carlton’s Lachie Plowman and Richmond’s Marlion Pickett will all face the AFL tribunal to challenge suspensions.
Holman received a two-game rough conduct ban for a run-down tackle on Geelong star Mitch Duncan during the Cats’ win on Saturday.
Duncan was subbed out under the concussion rule at half-time after smashing his head into the GMHBA Stadium turf in the strong tackle from behind.
Holman won a holding-the-ball free kick at the time – but match review officer Michael Christian considered it a dangerous tackle.
Plowman’s collision with Hawthorn’s Jaeger O’Meara on Saturday also attracted a two-match ban for rough conduct.
O’Meara was left dazed and left the ground to be assessed for concussion and a knock to his shoulder but Carlton will argue Plowman kept his eye on the ball and was attempting to spoil when he made “unavoidable” contact.
“A fabric of our game is that we teach players from a young age to keep your eyes on the football when you enter a contest and that is exactly what both players have done in this contest,” Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd said.
“Lachie’s sole intent was to contest the football, which he rightfully did in a fair and reasonable manner when he arrived at the point of impact, incidentally at the same time as his opponent.
“Lachie’s eyes remained on the football the entire time and his intention was to spoil the football and any such collision was simply unavoidable.”
“We believe there are sufficient grounds to contest the charge at the tribunal.”
Richmond confirmed they would challenge Pickett’s one-match ban for striking Brisbane’s Brandon Starcevich.
The dual-premiership Tiger was reported in the fourth quarter of Friday night’s game at the Gabba when he caught Starcevich with a high, late tackle – an incident that sparked a brief melee.
(C) AAP 2021
