Tom Hawkins is very lucky, as are Geelong, whose flag hopes would have all but evaporated had their most important player been suspended for punching Hawthorn’s Ben Stratton on the weekend.
In almost every news report of the incident, Hawkins’ act was termed as a “jumper punch”.
Why is the word “jumper” necessary? Is a jumper punch any different from a regular punch?
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Well, no, it’s not. A jumper punch often does not involve significant force but it is exactly the same as a run-of-the-mill punch which doesn’t involve significant force.
Both the term jumper punch, and the act itself, are sneaky. The term instantly frames the strike as being insignificant. The act itself is often used as a means of clocking your opponent in the jaw without the risk of suspension or sometimes even a free kick.
Does the fabric of the jumper provide such a level of cushioning that the impact of a punch is lessened? I’m not sure if any physics boffin has ever tested that theory but the rational answer is no, not to any relevant extent.
So why does the AFL so often turn a blind eye to jabs delivered to the head by a fist wrapped in a guernsey, yet suspend players for similar strikes meted out with a bare fist?
“Protect the head” has been the slogan from the AFL in recent years as they have tightened up the laws of the game, effectively outlawing bumps that were 100 per cent legal for the previous 100 years of competition.
Maybe their more accurate catchcry should be, “Protect the head, unless it’s been struck by an object draped in cloth”.
I should explain I do not want players suspended for minor physical indiscretions like Hawkins’ act, although I will undoubtedly cop such accusations from the usual bunch who read only headlines not articles.
We want the champions of the game playing as often as possible, particularly in finals. What I would like to see is consistency. We all would. It’s the biggest criticism of the AFL Match Review Panel – that their decisions are unpredictable and sometimes irrational.
The official line from the MRP was that the force used was below that required for a reportable offence. It does seem odd though, that had Hawkins executed that punch with a bare hand he would likely be on the sidelines for this week’s do-or-die final against North Melbourne.
Would such a defence stand up in a court of law? If a thug clocked another patron in a bar, could he earn leniency by virtue of having had his fist wrapped in his victim’s t-shirt?
Of course not, because it’s nonsense. A punch is a punch.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Go back ten years to the Lynch vs Wakelin stoush in the GF. That was fair dinkum. Even some of the NRL folk I was watching it with here in Newcastle were impressed. Lynch's last game, so the 10 week suspension didn't matter. Not that I'm condoning it of course.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Accruing points might've been the best way to deal with it. I reckon 1 final is the equivalent of at least 3 regular season matches.
joe b
Guest
I heard they had to go all 'weekend at Bernies' on Stratton for the remainder of the game, the punch was that hard.
Fabes
Guest
Axle maybe one day you might receive a grapple and a shake. Might wake you up from whatever fairytale you're in. Look at the video. Hawkins punched Stratton twice in the head forcing his head to rock back with both blows. Wake up to yourself.
Don Freo
Guest
What about having your drink handballed to you?
Mic
Guest
I'm pretty sure Stratton was unconscious, and the hawk held him up until he came around.
berthe
Guest
The jumper punch is the Claytons punch for thugs with good legal advice.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
What would have happened to him if the other bloke took a dive ? I mean it looked quite viscous in the replay
Andrew
Roar Rookie
your lies are getting tiresome bosk. "never help North" they let petrie off with eye gouging this season alone!
Andrew
Roar Rookie
not only that, but the act must be a long way removed from the general nature of the game (certainly a debatable issue in relation to punches and the like), but you could never be charged for a bump, regardless of the force or consequences
Andrew
Roar Rookie
there mustn't be much of a line at your pub if you've never seen a shepherd!
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Bruce Lee would have got away with murder at the MRP.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
"grapple and a shake". That sounds like a 1960s dance move.
Stephen
Guest
My observation is that before the jumper punch Hawkins takes quite a few steps toward Stratton intent on being the aggressor. He jumper punches him enough to make Stratton's head shake violently. The action could clearly have sparked retaliation from Stratton or his team mates. Mainstream media, notably, Eddie McGuire, immediately says that we don't want star players reported for that at finals time. It annoys me immensely that the media want to dictate who should and who shouldn't be reported and the fact that it is finals time is irrelevant. He should have been found guilty and if it was deemed to be a minor matter, he should have got demerit points to make him think twice in the future.
slane
Guest
How about a speccy?
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Exactly Pope.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
slane I must admit it would be humorous to see a shepherd laid in a pub.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Protect the gut.
Aransan
Guest
You mean Duckwood (not original).
shiftyxr
Guest
no we all should be disgusted that the MRP let off an act of blatant thuggery because poor tommy boy was having a bad night. It was an intentional punch to the head, regardless of the amount of force. deserves at least a week.