Geelong have suspended Steven Motlop after Hawthorn opponents had sledged him during their round-one AFL match for drinking three days earlier.
The Cats dropped a bombshell on Thursday afternoon, announcing their speedy midfielder would miss Sunday’s big home game against Fremantle.
At the time, coach Chris Scott did not specify the off-field indiscretion.
But it later emerged Motlop was in the Victorian country town of Colac on Good Friday, watching local football.
He was spotted drinking at the game and the news found its way to the Hawks in time for the round-one blockbuster on Easter Monday at the MCG.
Geelong teammates overheard Hawthorn players taunting Motlop and duly raised the issue post-match.
They were disappointed Motlop would drink alcohol in public only three days before such a major game.
Motlop was probably Geelong’s best player on Easter Monday as the reigning premiers belted them by 62 points.
Geelong can ill afford to be without Motlop, but Scott was adamant that there was no alternative.
“We have clear expectations of our players and there’s no grey area here,” Scott said.
“Steve hasn’t been able to meet those on this occasion.
“So the team and Steve will pay a big penalty this week.
“Having said that, we’re happy with the way that Steve has responded in the aftermath.
“To his credit, he acknowledges it, he admits it and he’s prepared to take his right whack.”
Motlop won’t play at VFL level either, but will be available for selection in round three.
The Cats are also sweating on the availability of veteran Jimmy Bartel after he suffered a concussion in the dying seconds against the Hawks.
“The early indications are that he’s going to be fine, but it’s in the hands of our medical staff – they will have the first and final call on it,” Scott said.
“With the Sunday game, we’re not absolutely in a position to guarantee that he’s going to play, but he’s a good chance.”
Bartel was named in their squad for the Dockers match and, so far, Motlop is the only omission.
Penster
Guest
Motlop was among their few best on ground. They should find out what he was drinking and give it to the rest of them.
Ozzie Rooles
Guest
According to SEN it wasn't just one drink. It was a very big session. And, he's meant to be a world class, finely tuned professional athlete? I guess, when the sport is only played in 1 country, "world class" has a different meaning.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
BTW - good luck to your boys tomorrow. Despite this issue, we are still going to flog you :)
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Not really Don, sometime obvious things need be stated. The key issue here is the way in which the captain found out about it. On the *****ing field no less! But if you think it's acceptable then go right ahead.
Don Freo
Guest
Geez, Rick. We all know that. That's what we're commenting on. Precious and an over reaction.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
It's clear from this comment you don't understand what went down here Dal, so I will let you in on exactly what happened, which was explained in DETAIL on AFL 360 this week. Motlop was drinking with a couple of friends 3 days prior to their opening game, but there was one listed Hawthorn playing in the same location also that saw him drinking. The ENTIRE Hawthorn team heard about it before any of the Geelong players or coach, and if you watched the game you will have noticed Motlop being taunted by the Hawks players, especially after the game. Selwood found out on the ground, so you can imagine the mass disappointment felt by all the other players when they went up to defend him of an act that makes them all look stupid! There is a reason some clubs are more successful they others and it starts with discipline and respect. Not only did Motlop disrespect his fellow players, he decided to break a club rule right before round-1 of the season no less. Not good enough Dal, but I can understand how other less successful clubs would find this behaviour acceptable.
Pope Paul vii
Guest
Watch "Black Comedy".
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
What's that phrase?…"It's political correctness gone mad"?...
ja
Guest
The Catters are stuffed anyway, doesn't really matter. Go Hawkers. 5-peat. You heard it first.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
and right their potentially starts the slippery slope of bad culture, the same bad culture we see in many other clubs. Rules are rules and sometimes they need to be enforced to maintain such excellence. I'm sure you would agree the Cats have been nothing but this since the inception of the AFL.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
If the same rules applied 'back in the day', Paul Van der Haar would never have played a game!
Alex L
Roar Rookie
If he was carrying any kind of injury, then it's pretty fair -- alcohol slows the bodies recovery.
Pope Paul vii
Guest
agreed
Gecko
Guest
Those same strict rules turned Stevey Johnson from a discipline problem to a champ and helped win Geelong three premierships. But only a very minor misdemeanour from Motlop - probably didn't affect his game at all. I thought he was Geelong's best last weekend.
Ads
Guest
Must be the only job in Aus that your boss can suspend you for doing something on your own time that is legal. These clubs really do think they own their players.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
"They were disappointed Motlop would drink alcohol in public only three days before such a major game" -- would it have been okay in private? Would it have been okay before a minor game? I don't drink alcohol, but surely lots of players imbibe. However, I think his surname is probably suitable for use in describing alcoholic excess, e.g. "I was totally motlopped -- and in public, and three days before the big game".
Don Freo
Guest
My thoughts too Pope. To not big note yourself but catch up with mates at a local game seems to me to be good citizenship. All Saturday and all Sunday to drive one stubby from the system. Some team rules are silly. Get some flexibility. Oh...and thankyou, Geelong. He was the biggest worry to Freo as far as providing opportunities to Hawkins and Clark.
Pope Paul vii
Guest
Can't even drink
Pope Paul vii
Guest
Can't even drink
Franko
Guest
Any chance Motlop could be dirty with his own team mates for snitching...? Obviously the sledging got to a few players, but not Steve.