Richmond have ruled Marlion Pickett out of selection for their clash with St Kilda after the dual Tigers premiership player faced court in Perth.
The 31-year-old was granted bail on Monday after appearing on 12 charges including four counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of stealing and three counts of criminal damage.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said Pickett wanted to play against the Saints at the MCG on Saturday night but the club decided to rule him out.
However, the player is expected to travel to Queensland to face the Brisbane Lions in the Tigers’ round -16 match after Richmond’s bye.
Richmond Tigers star Marlion Pickett and his manager Anthony Van Der Wielen walk out from the Perth Magistrates Court. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“Marlion won’t be available to play this week,” Gale said. “It’s a decision we made in his best interest, in his welfare and also of the club. We think it’s important for Marlon to be with his family.
“But having said that, he’ll prepare with the team, he’ll train and he will keep turning up and engaging and turning up to work. We fully expect him to play against Brisbane in two weeks’ time.”
Pickett has played 70 games for the Tigers, having famously made his AFL debut in their 2019 premiership triumph.
Butler cleared, Mansell and Sicily banned
St Kilda forward Dan Butler has had his controversial ban for a dangerous tackle on Sydney’s Nick Blakey thrown out by the AFL tribunal.
But it was a less successful night for Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell, who was slapped with a three-game ban for a bump that left Fremantle winger James Aish concussed.
Butler is now free to face his former club Richmond on Saturday, the tribunal finding he hadn’t breached his duty of care in his run-down tackle of Blakey last Thursday night.
The Saints livewire told the tribunal he’d tried to roll with the tackle so as not to give away a push in the back free kick and argued he’d had no choice but to tackle as “I don’t want to get dropped”.
His lawyer said there was no alternative but to tackle and pointed out Butler had released Blakey’s arms before he made contact with the ground so he could brace his fall.
Tribunal chairman Jeff Gleeson agreed and his panel dismissed the charge, finding Butler’s momentum made some contact with the ground inevitable.
“He had dropped to the side, had no real power from the commencement of the tackle … he did not drive Blakey to the ground with his arms,” he said.
“Rather, he fell to the ground with Blakey as a result of the momentum of the tackle … he released Blakey’s defensive arm.”
AFL counsel Sally Flynn had submitted there were two motions in his tackle – pinning the arms, then driving Blakey to the ground, but Gleeson said the tribunal panel did not agree.
Nick Blakey is tackled by Dan Butler. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )
Meanwhile, Richmond’s Mansell is out for three weeks after the tribunal found he’d bumped Aish without contesting the football despite his pleas to the contrary.
Mansell argued his eyes were on the football the whole time and he’d made a last-minute decision to brace for impact once he knew Aish would win the loose ball.
He said it wasn’t a bump and he couldn’t predict where the ball would bounce.
AFL counsel Lisa Hannon said Mansell had “effectively ran through” Aish and his “turn-and-tuck” body motion meant he was no longer contesting the football, an assertion the tribunal agreed with.
The tribunal’s decision to free Butler is likely to be met with positivity from the wider AFL community.
Before the hearing Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall said he’d be “horrified” if Butler was suspended for the tackle, among a sea of other criticism for the ban.
Later on Tuesday night, Hawthorn captain James Sicily appeared on a rough conduct charge for a dangerous tackle that concussed Brisbane Lions gun Hugh McCluggage.
He was also found guilty and will miss three matches.
McKay takes aim at foul-mouthed fans
Carlton forward Harry McKay has criticised a “minority” of the club’s supporters who hurled abuse as Blues players walked off the MCG.
Videos emerged on social media of furious Carlton fans screaming vicious obscenities at players headed to the rooms after the Blues’ 34-point defeat – their sixth-in-a-row – on Sunday night.
Pressure has piled on Carlton and coach Michael Voss as a once-promising season with dreams of a drought-breaking finals appearance has turned ugly.
McKay admitted players “definitely” hear and take in the abuse coming their way.
“I understand it’s a minority of supporters; a lot of our fans have been fantastic throughout this whole year and the passion and energy they bring to games,” McKay, who will play his 100th game this weekend, said on Tuesday.
“I think the minority in situations like that it’s more disappointing for kids and families.
“You want to create an environment that’s safe; everyone likes to come to the footy so seeing the minority probably do that is disappointing.
Harry McKay of the Blues celebrates a goal. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“We want to create games at Carlton that everyone feels comfortable and safe coming to so I want to thank the majority for doing that, but it’s disappointing that a few jeopardise that.”
McKay believed supporters taking their frustrations out and screaming at players could have an even further detrimental effect to a team struggling to search for their best.
“When you’re walking off I don’t think it helps the greater cause if you hear abuse and everything when you walk in off, but I guess it’s part of being a professional athlete,” he said.
“There’s always going to be some things said over the fence.
“I think it’s more about the environment that we’re creating for the kids and families.
“We’re (the players) big enough and ugly enough to deal with some things said over the fence.”
Carlton sit 15th on the ladder ahead of a vital clash with in-form Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday.
The Blues had a bonding session at veteran midfielder Ed Curnow’s property in Torquay last week as they search for answers to try and recapture their form from early in the 2022 season.
“In my eight years (at Carlton) I think this is the closest and most united the group’s been,” McKay said.
“Obviously when on-field success isn’t necessarily coming, it’s really important to stay united and connected.
“I think in footy and in life, through your hardest times or your despair you become connected as a group and hopefully you can bounce out of that stronger and that’s definitely the belief as a group that although it sucks at the moment, we’re going to be better for it.”
Viney an ultimate warrior, says Goodwin
Mention the name Jack Viney and you won’t be able to wipe the smile off Simon Goodwin’s face.
The Melbourne coach’s love for his tough midfielder should come as no surprise, given the latter’s inspirational form.
Viney was a dominant figure in the Demons’ four-point defeat of Collingwood, claiming best afield honours in the King’s Birthday blockbuster in front of more than 83,000 fans.
“I can’t stop smiling when we talk about Jack. He’s just a warrior,” Goodwin said. “He wears his heart on his sleeve, he loves his footy club and he plays like that all the time.
“To see him get the reward externally I think is really important for him.”
Viney stepped up again in the absence of injured teammate Clayton Oliver – and with Christian Petracca below his best – tallying 32 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 11 tackles, nine clearances and a goal against the Magpies.
And, fittingly, the 184-game veteran won the crucial last centre clearance to seal the Demons’ victory, which improved their record to 9-4 and put them within striking distance of the top two.
“That’s what he does,” Goodwin said. “When the game’s there and willing and it’s contest, and it was pretty scrappy that last 30 seconds, once again he stood up when he needed to.”
In trademark fashion, Viney soldiered on despite hurting his shoulder in a third-quarter collision with Beau McCreery.
Goodwin momentarily thought his star man was done for the game but need not have worried.
“We were just about to pull the sub, then he came off, so that put a bit of a spanner in the works,” Goodwin said.
“Within a minute he said, ‘I’m right to go, coach. Get me back out there.’ So that was pleasing.”
Fenwick Snap
Roar Rookie
I was there (Blues supporter). Not sure that width was our biggest problem this time around but an inside 30 stat might be more damning. Other teams block us too easily while they get more cheap shots close to goal or, like our third quarter in this one, just march the ball in. Our problems are a combination of poor execution, poor decision making, poor awareness, and - dare I say it - unclear game plan/drills/tactics. I'm not game to pick one as being our worst but we're clearly under-performing.
Nick
Roar Rookie
Or Patrick Cripps who can get off a stone cold bump due to a legal procedural error by the AFL prosecution...
Nick
Roar Rookie
I'm inclined to agree there Macca. If some of the those early behinds are instead goals, then scoreboard pressure alone can change the dynamic of the match. If you are 10.3 against Essendon instead of 3.10 at half time. I think there is also the issue that they are making one too many disposals inside the 50 and then putting more pressure on the kicker. They should be backing themselves to take the shot from 45-50 out instead of looking for that extra handball. Bad teams simply don't create 20+ chances on goal each week (not including out of the full sprays). I think it was only against Melbourne where they have failed to have 20 shots at goal in the past 5 weeks.
Macca
Roar Rookie
"Life’s too short to decipher whatever that comment means Macca." Really? Which point is tripping you up, the fact what you claimed was a question wasn't, the fact that when asked to support your statement you couldn't or that the facts prove your "if" irrelevant. Lifes too short to "decipher" that but you have time to make 4 posts on a fictious argument? But yes it is a simple point Peter, but here is an even simpler point - it isn't what is happening. Anyone who watched the game (or any Carlton game recently) would see that they are creating significant routine shots on goal that they are missing. Again - its execution not coaching.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Life’s too short to decipher whatever that comment means Macca. It’s a simple point to pose. If the Blues are being forced wide by opposition strategies Voss isn’t countering then you’re more likely to miss goals. Quite simple even for this toothless Pies supporter to understand.
Mr Murray
Roar Rookie
Judging by the lucky dip nature of the tribunal this year, this years brownlow will go to someone who never attends any kind of contest, never lays a tackle, and never tries to grab a loose ball. Everyone else will be ineligible either by suspension or afl instruction to umpires not to reward such dangerous actions
Birdman
Roar Rookie
The Sicily suspension is a travesty. The Tribunal has lost the plot and is obviously wanting to make an example of him rather than deal fairly with the circumstances of the incident.
Macca
Roar Rookie
First off it may have been a valid question, but you didn’t ask a question, you made a statement. The lack of a question mark is a bit of a hint on that one. Secondly I asked you a question to verify a statement but you couldn’t answer it because you neither watched the game or had the stats. Finally we are left with the basic fact that your statement is irrelevant because your hypothetical “if” is usurped by what actually happened As for being sensitive, asi said previously, that happens when presented with complete nonsense, personal abuse or questions that have already been answered. Which one do you think this falls under?
PeteB
Roar Rookie
I can understand supporters frustration but that was just unacceptable. Certain aspects of their behaviour is not going as we’d like to see and hear. But footy supporters are imperfect and can make mistakes and errors. It’s an enormous disappointment but I think they are beginning to adapt to the way we play.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
It’s a totally valid question Macca. If Carlton are taking a lot of shots on goal from wide they are likely to miss more. You seem sensitive about the subject for some reason, perhaps because you can’t locate the stats for it. I see the Pies train leading lanes . Do the Blues? You know clubs worked out Jaidyn Stephenson was getting a lot of his goals from inside 20 metres running toward goal. Dried him up
Macca
Roar Rookie
So I have watched the Carlton Essendon game and every other Carlton game and offered my opinion that it is execution not coaching, but you, having only watched Carlton play the Pies felt a need to express your opinion that it COULD be coaching? Your IF is redundant when the facts are clear. Perhaps you need to watch more football Peter.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I didn't watch Carl v Ess Macca. That's why I said if. It could well be an issue if the Carlton forward leading lanes are too wide. I know from the Pies game you seemed to take a number of shots from wide.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Which of the Blues 16 points and I believe 6 complete misses (they apparently had a inside 50 efficieny of 50% from 56 inside 50's) were taken from too wide in your opinion Peter?
Macca
Roar Rookie
Yep, they kicked 3.10 on Sunday night and let the Bombers kick 2 late ones to trail by 2 points at half time. Even if they had got to 6.7 and had a 13 point lead (although converting may have put enough pressure on the pies to prevent the late rally) it would have meant the bombers surge would have been somewhat negated and the BLues would have been still well in the game at 3/4 time (after which they kicked 1.6 to 2.1)
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Depends Macca, if your players are going too wide for inside 50's then it's a coaching issue.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Not too bothered by Butler suspension. Plenty of run down tackles that don't scone people thus no suspension. To say the tackle is under threat is disingenuous. Meanwhile Blakey has more money than sense. And a really hard head. Him not being concussed is not a surprise and not relevant to the suspension.
Mat
Roar Rookie
As a Suns fan, I can relate to the poor converting as it's been costing us games for many seasons. Over just the last 3 rounds the Blues are 9.23 in the first half. Even if they could bring that closer to 15.15 or better it would completely change the way the second half is played.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You don't need to worry about GC. They are my tip to play in the GF...against Freo.
Macca
Roar Rookie
The media landscape is just filled with people who have little idea about the game and just live for the off field drama. When was the last time Caro Wilson even discussed a game of football in passing? The only thing we get that passes for an@ lysis is cherry picking 1 or 2 bits of a game to highlight "unacceptable" efforts. Otherwise we get the talking heads confecting a drama on one show, repeating it on another and then getting their mates to pick up on the story in a third. Even this "carlton fans abuse team" story seems to be generated by 1 bloke filming himself abuse the players. And don't get me started on the Tom Browne, Eddie McGuire, Nathan Buckley 7/9/fox Collingwod PR department.
Macca
Roar Rookie
We would need to go 8 from 10 from here to make finals so hihgly unlikely. I wouldn't get too worried about the Blues beating the Suns, Carlton love nothing more than killing a season (and a coach) with a loss to the Suns. The interesting thing about the BLues losses is that by and large they have lost by an amount that they have conceded in a 5-10 minute burst, that small lapse and poor converting is costing them a massive amount.