Geelong have been debating when to give Gary Ablett a rest for a few weeks, but match review officer Michael Christian might just take the decision out of their hands.
Ablett’s right-arm jab to the jaw of Gold Coast’s Anthony Miles has been dissected at length since the two-time Brownlow Medal winner’s rush of blood in the Cats’ win at Metricon Stadium.
It continued an out-of-character run for the 35-year-old after he escaped suspension for much-debated high hits on Essendon’s Dylan Shiel and North Melbourne’s Sam Wright.
An umpire was standing nearby and paid a free kick against Ablett for his latest indiscretion but did not report him.
“It seems to get built up every week … obviously I was a little bit clumsy there and I gave away a free kick,” Ablett said on Fox Footy.
“It was just undisciplined. Obviously I’m disappointed with it, but it was just a free kick.”
Ablett will be hoping that Christian’s assessment on Monday is that the impact was too low to warrant a charge, with Miles able to continue the match apparently untroubled.
St Kilda will be sweating on the availability of pair Ben Long (rough conduct) and Luke Dunstan (striking) after they were reported during Sunday’s win over Carlton.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Gary really wants a rest Chris Scott. For Gods sake (Pun intended) give the Man a Rest.
shifty
Roar Rookie
Let's be honest, if Garry hadn't already gotten off, Fyfe would have been gone for 2 weeks.
RT
Roar Rookie
Silly comment. Boring anti Vic comment. How about Fyfe the other week when Ablett got away with his second elbowing? I am pretty sure Fyfe plays for Freo. It is 100% we don’t want to suspend players in Brownlow Medal form.
Spanner
Roar Rookie
Sadly, too true WCE - can you imagine if he was a player from outside of Victoria ? (at least 2 weeks for each incident !)
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
Is it any different to what Gaff did except for the fact it connected with the jaw and not teeth? Gary’s has intent as it was the second punch he through.
WCE
Roar Rookie
why bother even asking the question, we all know he'll get off
RT
Roar Rookie
I haven't tried to work out what the umpire saw but maybe he just saw the other player push Miles over or thought Ablett pushed him. Unless the umpire can be heard to say "free kick for punching in the face" I would give the umpire the benefit of the doubt.
Brendan
Guest
If Ablett is suspended what does it say about the umpire involved not reporting him only paying a free kick.Ablett probably should get a week as it appears fist on jaw.Another let off may result in crowd booing not heard since Goodes retired.
Brendan
Guest
What does it say about the umpire involved if Ablett is suspended.The umpire awards a free kick for the offence but no report.I support Geelong and think overall Ablett should get a suspension as the contact appears to be fist to jaw.If he doesn't get a week the crowd response will be over the top at all games and a suspension might be the lesser of two evils.