Carlton defender Lachie Plowman’s two-match suspension for rough conduct has been upheld following a marathon hearing at the AFL appeals board.
Plowman’s two-match ban for a bump that concussed Hawthorn’s Jaeger O’Meara was previously upheld at Tuesday’s AFL tribunal but the Blues appealed that decision based on the argument that “an error of law” had been made.
The latest hearing found there was “grounds” to criticise AFL tribunal chairman Ross Howie for directing Tuesday’s jury not to consider Plowman’s attempt to spoil part of a marking contest.
But after deliberating for more than an hour, the appeals board of chair Murray Kellam, Stephen Jurica and Geoff Giudice, said any issues with those directions weren’t enough to overturn the tribunal’s original decision.
“Whilst there may be legitimate grounds for criticism for part of the jury directions, we considered there’s no basis to say any such error justifies the reversal or modification of the tribunal decision,” Kellam said.
“We affirm the tribunal decision.”
Carlton lawyer Peter O’Farrell had argued Howie had been “erroneous” in directing Tuesday night’s jury not to consider a spoil part of a marking contest.
“The jury’s consideration of what was reasonable was ill-informed because they weren’t allowed to consider what is permitted contact under the laws of our game,” O’Farrell said.
Kellam agreed that Howie had been “clearly wrong” in giving that direction.
But the AFL’s legal counsel Jeff Gleeson argued even if the tribunal jury had been poorly directed, Plowman had executed a bump, not a spoil, in the contest.
Gleeson said any misdirection wasn’t enough to overturn the decision.
Plowman did not attend the hearing.
The defender wouldn’t have faced the Swans on Sunday regardless after suffering a corked knee in the Hawthorn game but will now also miss the following week’s clash with West Coast.
Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd said the Blues respected the appeals board’s decision.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Whilst I definately agree with the tribunal decision, it's obvious the AFL are trying to make a statement to increase player safety. I really can't see them backing down due to the image they are trying to portray. The Blues are wasting their time. Plowman is not a bad player, but he is no Harry McKay. What is their agenda?
nics
Roar Rookie
Next up - Carlton bring receipt for Chris Judd trade and ask for JK back (WCE can keep Masten).
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Ridiculous.
Cat
Roar Guru
As it should be.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Next up - Carlton launch appeal against John Elliott's salary cap breach
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
He would have been out injured anyway. I know I know, that does't make sense.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Kinda surprised they pushed it so far given the blues have a reasonable amount of depth at his position, however this weekend shapes as a season definining game for the blues so I do get it
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Not sure why the Blues were so driven to back an obviously lost cause. Oh well, just a little less in their soft cap.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
*Daddy shakes his head in surprise* Well, at least they put in a 4 quarter effort.
dab
Roar Rookie
wrong. just wrong.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Surprise surprise