In what’s become a surprisingly regular occurrence of late, Gary Ablett has made headlines for a potentially reportable action yet again.
For the third time in four weeks, the two-time Brownlow medallist earned the ire of footy fans for a contentious high hit.
But it looks to be a case of third time unlucky for ‘Gaz’, with his one-match ban for striking Gold Coast’s Anthony Miles looking incredibly hard to contest.
Has justice finally been served? Or has the MRO still not gone far enough?
Roar AFL expert Marnie Cohen joined us on the Game of Codes podcast to discuss whether Ablett’s penalty fit the crime.
Listen to the debate:
Ablett was offered a one-match ban for a strike on Essendon’s Dylan Shiel in Round 7, but successfully argued at the tribunal that his strike was careless rather than intentional – resulting in a fine rather than a week off.
The next week he was again in the spotlight for a high hit on North Melbourne’s Sam Wright, but the MRO decided to not to cite him over the incident.
An appeal could still be possible, but this time it looks like his luck has run out.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Fat Toad
Roar Rookie
I agree, but think the challenge with the first incidents was that they were relatively low impact with open hands. I understand that contact was with the forearms but the arms were not set hard and with a fist so probably more incidental contact and lacking intent to hurt. If every time a person got a bump on the head, it would be a free kick every time there was a pack formed after a tackle. I doubt anyone would accept that.
Fat Toad
Roar Rookie
The challenge for the AFL is how do they deal with constant harassment of players like Ablett, who was sniped and responded. I have no great problem with Ablett getting a week this time, but agree with him previously getting off. In the NHL players can get time in the penalty box and further fines, or suspensions for fighting. However, the NHL also has a system of penalties for instigation. It is time to see some pain handed out to those who instigate as well as those who respond.
Raimond
Roar Guru
That was the line last time.
Cat
Roar Guru
The only one making it about themselves is you anon.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Duh . . . Gary seems to care.
anon
Roar Pro
Gaz likes to make it all about him
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Who cares? He was resting this week anyway.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
but, but, but....he would be devo. to be labelled a sniper. yeah, sure thing, Chris.
mdso
Roar Rookie
At last the MRO get it right with GAJ. Many of us thought it was satrosanct and black and white, NO head high contact. Regardless of who you are, how good your record has been, choose to do it you are reported and suspended. Third time unlucky Gary and many fans are saying its about time. The AFL have to get this right, rather than creating more pressure on the players, the umpires and the fans by confusing decisions making confusing outcomes. Please make the rules less complex. Really its all very simple its all about cause and effect. Will someone with a modicum of sense at the AFL, stop the confusion and start using the K.I.S.S. principal. The continual changing and modifying existing rules and then not abiding by the rules as they are is creating confusion for everyone. The game is fine, the AFL are the problem how about coming part of the solution?
WCE
Roar Rookie
i bet it hurts the MRO doing this , they'd all be in tears that there favorite son had to be suspended