Star defender Jacob Weitering is free to play in Carlton’s AFL elimination final against Sydney, avoiding suspension over his contact with GWS captain Toby Greene’s face.
But the news is not good for Greene’s teammate Toby Bedford, who will miss the Giants’ knockout clash with St Kilda after receiving a one-match ban for rough conduct against Blues speedster Zac Fisher.
Weitering came under scrutiny for making brief contact with his fingers near Greene’s eye during Sunday’s heated clash at Marvel Stadium.
Greene later fanned the flames, predicting Weitering might be in trouble with the match review officer.
On Monday, Weitering was charged with making “unreasonable or unnecessary contact” to Greene’s eye region and was handed a $3000 fine.
The penalty can be reduced to $2000 with an early guilty plea.
Crucially, Weitering’s action was graded as careless conduct, low impact and high contact.
Under the AFL’s table of offences, a grading of intentional conduct would have resulted in a one-match ban.
It means he will line-up against Sydney when Carlton end a decade-long finals drought at the MCG next week.
Weitering attempted to pull Greene off Blues teammate Mitch McGovern when the pair tangled moments before half-time on Sunday.
The All-Australian defender appeared to move his hand away when he realised he had made contact with Greene’s face.
Greene has attracted scrutiny over similar incidents in the past and missed the Giants’ 2019 preliminary final win because of a one-match ban.
“He might be in trouble,” Greene told Fox Footy.
“I think I got in trouble for that, so we’ll see how he goes.
“I was hoping for a free kick. That’s fine.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss was always confident Weitering would be free to play in the elimination final.
“I’m sort of comfortable with the commentary around it, so I’ll leave it at that,” Voss said post-match.
“(Weitering) is pretty important – I think that’s probably stating the real obvious. He’s had a fantastic year.”
Bedford caught Fisher high while attempting to shepherd for a teammate and was suspended for a second time this month, following his ban for a dangerous tackle on Sydney’s Ollie Florent in round 21.
(AAP)
Taranto snub headlines omissions from All-Australian squad of 44
Richmond star Tim Taranto has headlined the omissions from the AFL’s All-Australian squad of 44, which was announced on Monday evening.
With the team to be named on Wednesday night as part of the AFL’s Awards night, which will also feature the Rising Star award, the former Giant’s first season in yellow and black saw him average nearly 29 disposals a game while kicking a career-best 19 goals, but wasn’t enough for a spot in the extended squad, with Dustin Martin the only Tiger named.
Taranto’s omission comes after All-Australian selector and controversial media pundit Kane Cornes caused a stir mid-season by claiming the midfielder ‘wouldn’t be in the top 150 players in the game right now’, citing his poor disposal as holding him and the Tigers back.
Taranto is far from the only contentious omission, with Carlton defender Nic Newman overlooked despite a crucial role in the Blues’ surge towards finals, while goal assists leader Gryan Miers can also consider himself unlucky.
Every single team received at least one nomination, with North Melbourne and West Coast spearheads Nick Larkey and Oscar Allen the only members of their teams selected; while ladder-leaders Collingwood lead the league with five – Josh and Nick Daicos, captain Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey and Isaac Quaynor.
Fremantle ruck/forward Luke Jackson is among the more surprising inclusions as one of three rucks, though the top job will almost certainly be between St Kilda and Western Bulldogs big men Rowan Marshall and Tim English.
Tim Taranto in action during Richmond training. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
FULL ALL-AUSTRALIAN SQUAD OF 44
Adelaide: Jordan Dawson, Taylor Walker
Brisbane: Harris Andrews, Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher, Lachie Neale
Carlton: Patrick Cripps, Charlie Curnow, Jacob Weitering
Collingwood: Josh Daicos, Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor
Essendon: Kyle Langford, Zach Merrett, Mason Redman
Fremantle: Luke Jackson, Luke Ryan, Caleb Serong
Geelong: Tom Stewart
Gold Coast: Noah Anderson
GWS: Stephen Coniglio, Tom Green, Toby Greene
Hawthorn: Luke Breust, Jai Newcombe, James Sicily
Melbourne: Christian Petracca, Jack Viney
North Melbourne: Nick Larkey
Port Adelaide: Zak Butters, Dan Houston, Connor Rozee
Richmond: Dustin Martin
St Kilda: Rowan Marshall, Jack Sinclair, Callum Wilkie
Sydney: Nick Blakey, Errol Gulden
West Coast: Oscar Allen
Western Bulldogs: Marcus Bontempelli, Tim English, Tom Liberatore
Finals fixture in as Saints’ request denied
The AFL has released the fixture for Week 1 of the 2023 finals series.
After a weekend’s break due to the league’s pre-finals bye, September will begin with Collingwood facing Melbourne in an MCG blockbuster on Thursday night at 7:20pm (AEST).
The loser of that clash will need to wait 24 hours to see who they will be facing in a cutthroat semi-final, with the dangerous Carlton playing host to Sydney on Friday night, also at the MCG.
In a change from previous seasons, in which the Saturday afternoon finals match began in a twilight timeslot, St Kilda will face GWS at 3:20pm. However, the Saints have had their request to play the final at their home ground of Marvel Stadium knocked back, with the clash to take place at the MCG as well.
Finishing off the round, second-placed Brisbane will face Port Adelaide at the Gabba for the right to a home preliminary final at 7:25pm (AEST), with the loser to face the winner of the Saints and Giants next week.
>>Head here for more Finals Week 1 information
FULL FINALS WEEK 1 FIXTURE (all times AEST)
Thursday, September 7: First qualifying final, Collingwood vs Melbourne at the MCG, 7:20pm
Friday, September 8: First elimination final, Carlton vs Sydney at the MCG, 7:50pm
Saturday, September 9: Second elimination final, St Kilda vs GWS at the MCG, 3:20pm
Saturday, September 9: Second qualifying final, Brisbane vs Port Adelaide at the Gabba, 7:25pm
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
AFL officially appoints new football boss
Laura Kane’s rise to become the AFL’s most senior football official is being hailed as a significant moment for women in the sport.
Kane, who had been the AFL’s interim football boss since Brad Scott left the role last year to coach Essendon, was officially unveiled after her full-time appointment to the role on Monday.
Her title as executive general manager of football means she will become one of the most senior deputies of incoming AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon.
Kane’s portfolio will cover crucial game-related issues such as umpiring, rules, the AFLW and the tribunal.
She will also oversee areas such as player movement, talent pathways, and mental health and wellbeing.
Kane, a qualified lawyer who represented victims in the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child abuse, had several senior roles at North Melbourne before she joined the AFL in September 2021 as its competition manager.
Hawthorn women’s coach Bec Goddard and Essendon counterpart Natalie Wood hailed Kane’s full-time appointment as a significant moment for women in the AFL.
“What you’re starting to see is it’s just a real legitimate option for people,” Wood said.
“If you’re good at what you do, there’s opportunity for you on and off the football field.
“We’re starting to see more women in roles and really important roles. It just shows that it’s starting to become a real merit-based process and it doesn’t matter what your gender is.
“Laura’s such a great operator and she’s built such a terrific reputation with the work that she does.”
Dillon has been impressed by Kane’s leadership abilities.
“This AFL season has continued to throw up a diverse mix of challenges at our competition and Laura has led the football department team brilliantly in what has been a record year for our game,” Dillon said in a statement.
“Laura’s experience, expertise, temperament and resilience, paired with building a team of additional key football talent, is the right mix to lead the Football Department.”
Former Essendon football boss Josh Mahoney has joined Kane at league headquarters as the new general manager of football operations.
Mahoney, a premiership player at Port Adelaide in 2004, joined the Bombers at the end of 2020 but quit as the club’s football boss earlier this month.
As part of his new role at the AFL, Mahoney will report to Kane on issues relating to the AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW.
The AFL are also looking to appoint a new GM of football performance, who will also report to Kane.
(AAP)
Luckless Dee’s worst fears realised in dreaded ACL blow
Luckless Melbourne forward Jake Melksham will miss another opportunity to win an AFL flag after scans confirmed he has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The Demons were dealt a double dose of “devastating” news on Monday when it was confirmed Melksham and Luke Dunstan had suffered ACL tears.
Melksham, who has kicked 16 goals since being recalled in round 16, ruptured his ACL while trying to change direction during the third quarter of Melbourne’s 21-point win over Sydney on Sunday.
The timing of the blow is particularly cruel for Melksham, who missed out on the Demons’ 2021 flag.
Melksham turns 32 on Tuesday, and it remains to be seen if he’ll earn a new deal at Melbourne on the back of the long-term knee injury.
Dunstan, who hasn’t featured for the Demons at senior level this season, suffered his ACL tear while playing in the VFL over the weekend.
Melbourne finished fourth on the ladder and will face minor premiers Collingwood in a qualifying final on Thursday, September 7 at the MCG.
“Unfortunately, scans confirmed the worst for Jake and Luke this afternoon,” Melbourne’s general manager of AFL Performance Alan Richardson said in a statement.
“It is incredibly disappointing news for both players, particularly on the eve of an AFL and VFL Finals Series. It really is a cruel part of our game.
“Jake and Luke have played very important roles for us in recent weeks and have done so with class and character.
“It is devastating to lose them at this point, but I have no doubt they will apply the same attitude and commitment to their respective rehabs.
“Both players mean a lot to our football club, and we will be doing everything we can to support them through this difficult time.”
(AAP)
Davico
Roar Pro
And I think you are the delusional one if you think that going after someones face is "remonstration well and within the rules"!!
Davico
Roar Pro
So grabbing/pushing someone in the face is a show of affection? You seem to think that what Greene has done in the past (continues) that somehow excuses what Weitering did?! As I have said, I have no love for Greene, that does not make what Weitering did OK.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I think you're clearly deluded if you think Weitering hurt him or even attempted to hurt him. If Toby ever did on the street what he frequently does from behind on the field, the repercussions would be very different.
Davico
Roar Pro
Putting your hands in someone's face and near their eyes is a good remonstration and within the rules is it? Suggest you try it on the street and see what happens!
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
What the Carlton bloke (Weitering) did, was remonstrate with Toby without harming him. It think he executed that remonstration well and within the rules - at most he risked having the free reversed. Weitering's fingers near the eyes were not in the eyes and were there for a millisecond (massive #FakeNews from the media).
Davico
Roar Pro
No probs with the Carlton player getting off though PD? We get it, you dislike Greene. At least mention Vic players who deserve punishment in your rants. PS I can't stand Toby Greene!!
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
How could I leave out McGuire?
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
How did Toby Greene not get cited and at least fined for sinking his right fist into the groin of McGovern with 80 seconds to go in the match, that left McGovern doubled over for the remainder of the game? Yes, he would no doubt arguing he was tackling with a clenched fist. The media have fallen in love with Toby this year and don’t call a spade a spade when it comes to his behaviour because they mysteriously think he was treated harshly for intentionally bumping an umpire. This is a bloke who didn’t get suspended for jack-hammering Bont’s head into the turf from behind and placing his fingers precariously close to Bont’s eyes, because the AFL wanted him playing in a final (then Greene went and assaulted someone again the next week, making a mockery of the AFL’s leniency, and duly got suspended). This is a bloke who didn’t get suspended for karate-kicking Luke Dalhaus in the nose. The umpires have always been quick to penalise Toby but the AFL and MRP has been the opposite – they want him playing.
junk
Roar Rookie
Giant suspended, Carlton player free to play. NOT a great look AFL. Find other ways to get Carlton a win. e.g. umpires
Jimmy Woods
Roar Rookie
When not gloomy the light concentrates too much and blinds the players, it also casts big shadows and impairs vision on tv. When rainy, it’s obviously shut. As above, they messed up the design, the roof does not retract far enough to open and not impair vision, I have read about the orientation of the ground re:Sun and recall they had to rip a few rows out because they forgot about boundary lines. It’s also a sterile environment and cold. I hate it as a venue. It’s a great location on the train line but I wish they would invest to upgrade and fix the problems.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Yes I would like the Giants to make a run. But unless they run into the Swans along the away, life on the road every week during the finals is tuff.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
So why has po t and Brisbane got the last game of the round on Saturday night I thiugh top 4 teams were suppose to play the two earlier games so they were guaranteed a 7 day break and a slight advantage of the bottom 4 of the 8.? Congrats again to Port a bloody good finish considering again very very few people had is making the 8 let alone top 4. Still personally think were more likely top 5 to 8 rather than top 4 but hey I'll take it.lol.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Have you read all the back-pedalling from O'Donohue and Quartermain in The West? They're angry with embarrassment, claiming it was all a last minute flip. If only they could read injury lists, they could have saved face and talked about WA footy instead.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Can’t be surprised! Eagles board backing in Simmo too. Where’s Eddie at? Should get better sources… or maybe he doesn’t have any in WA and was just being a kob
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. Grounds that grown incrementally have the "character" built in so to speak,although Perth Stadium has style to go with its' bells and whistles. Still some problems,high prices is my big bugbear and access can be a pain when the AFL schedule games for peak hour WST, and supposedly the surface is a problem (Franklin says), but it hosted an excellent GF
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
The MRO decisions on Wietering and Bedford are everything to do with the teams they play for and nothing to do with fairness or precedent.
RT
Roar Rookie
The AFL does have a members area at Marvel so the facilities comment is valid. Obviously MCC doesn’t, but it is still a reason. Character to me can mean many things, but any stadium the looks the same in any direction lacks character to me. It has the same level of character as a school gymnasium.
RT
Roar Rookie
Interesting question. I think it more about the AFL scheduling the big clubs and games in H&A on Friday nights which means MCG. Saints, Dogs and Roos play at Marvel and then tend to get Saturday. Plus as the months get colder the AFL seems to favour the indoor stadium, including a few Friday nights. At least that is my gut feel, without checking the fixture.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
A few things that are pretty subjective in your list... Siren, TV screens,(take a bow Perth Stadium). Ticketing,all are degrees of bad, outdoor game, yeah the Hobart Stadium will be great. Character? define,please.. Bars not as good for non-members, who'dathoughtit? Big one though,too many losses for your team and we all get that, unless you're Freo going to GMBHA. Still better than Waverley.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I'm certainly expecting abject and grovelling apologies from - alphabetically,Buckley, Cleary, Cornes, Duffield, Hodge,Jakovich, Lloyd, Sumich and Wilson. And while Taranto missed, Tim Kelly played his heart out every game and probably put in his best season for the Eagles and will at least be ( should be, I think,) top ten in the Brownlow.