Richmond midfielder Trent Cotchin’s so-called award-winning Logie performance was not enough to earn Sydney superstar Lance Franklin a reprieve at the AFL tribunal.
Franklin failed to overturn his one-game ban for striking the three-time Tigers premiership captain and will miss the Swans’ round-12 AFL clash with Melbourne.
The Swans boldly took Franklin’s case to the tribunal in an attempt to have the talismanic forward available for Saturday night’s blockbuster game against the ladder-leading Demons.
But after deliberating for 30 minutes, the tribunal jury upheld the charge, which was graded by the AFL’s match review officer as intentional, low impact and high contact.
“This was a strike, swift and direct and noticeably more aggressive and forceful than the first act,” tribunal chairman Jeff Gleeson said.
“Cotchin’s head jerks back in a natural response to contact to the jaw.
“His response was spontaneous and intentional.”
The Swans argued Franklin pushed Cotchin rather than strike him during Friday night’s thriller at the SCG and the impact was negligible instead of low.
The Swans’ case hinged greatly on arguing Cotchin exaggerated the contact during the second quarter of the match, with the club’s legal representative Duncan Miller delivering a cheeky one-liner.
“I suggest Cotchin might get an invite to the Logies instead of the Brownlow this year,” Miller told the tribunal.
“The exaggerated head movement gave it away, then there’s a wry smile on Cotchin’s face.”
The AFL’s legal counsel Andrew Woods delivered a stinging assessment of Franklin’s conduct.
“It’s a strike and not push,” Woods told the tribunal.
“Did Franklin hit Cotchin? Of course he did as Cotchin had got under his skin.
“There’s kids watching, there’s families watching, it’s cowardly behaviour.
“It’s not the fight club or a combat sport.”
Franklin also gave evidence, saying he had eyes only for the ball and argued he pushed Cotchin in the chest.
“At no point in the game did I think I punched him in the face,” the 35-year-old said.
The Swans have the bye in round 13 so Franklin will not be able to play again until a game against Port Adelaide on June 18.
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G money
Roar Rookie
If someone the size of Buddy belted you in the face with an open palm, i dare say you'd think differently. Looked like it would have hurt.. potential for injury was high, and do we need juniors all over the country palming each other in the nose all game? I think not
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Well put Nics! Act of Love in Buddy’s case and pure unadulterated violence in the case of Lynch! :boxing: :boxing: :boxing:
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
That’s a Penguin comment! It’s a strike, quite frankly a bit weak from Buddy. Did enough martial arts to know you will break someones jaw with a palm when the jaw is unlocked. As I said previously you would calling 3 weeks if it was Tom Lynch on Papley.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Don just a question what are your thoughts on Dermie, Lethal and Hawthorn and those Premierships?
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Pablo imagine Lynch doing that to Papley, this whole column would be screaming thug, 3 weeks! Buddy got off lightly- move on
Clear as mud
Guest
Defortune how will I cope?
Clear as mud
Guest
Looks like we've got ourselves a Conroy...
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
There always is. Doesn’t mean they’re right. :stoked:
nics
Roar Rookie
Well there's someone we all know who would disagree with your first sentence ;)
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Everyone eventually succumbs to the fact that I’m always right. Even you, pablo
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Because Richmond fans think it's OK.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You have the mortgage on retorts?
Spanner
Roar Rookie
I agree no issue Dockers just getting inside dons head poor little thing he is :thumbup:
nics
Roar Rookie
A bag of meaningless non-sequiturs, insults, hypocrisy, inconsistency and now it’s using the No true Scotsman argument ;). Bingo!
Spanner
Roar Rookie
Lol keep dancing around in your tigers lingerie princess :sick:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
His father is Peter Dutton?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Jonboy, never a Freo supporter, has disappeared since Freo hit the top 4. A bit fragile about being challenged?
Clear as mud
Guest
It’s just you. And your onanistic typewriter. Drive safely. And deeply. Both hands on the weal.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That collective Richmond brain is an “empty universe”? I like a touch of self-deprecation. You’re a bit tough on yourselves but it’s quite accurate. Love Freo but caravanning around Pemberton, Margaret River and Nannup this week. We know how to savour things over here.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Not that often that I agree with DD, Angela . . . but he's right.