Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield successfully appealed against a one-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Sam Walsh, overturning the AFL Tribunal’s decision.
Dangerfield argued that his method of tackling Walsh was the safest approach possible, pinning both arms to prevent injury. Despite the initial charge of rough conduct, which included careless conduct, medium impact, and high contact, Dangerfield convinced the tribunal that he acted responsibly to avoid harm.
“I knew how I wanted to execute the tackle,” Dangerfield explained to the tribunal. “I was fully aware of the rules and applied them in a way that minimized risk.”
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While the AFL’s counsel raised concerns about potential injury due to Dangerfield not releasing one of Walsh’s arms, the tribunal ultimately ruled in favor of Dangerfield after deliberating for 40 minutes.
Chair Jeff Gleeson emphasized that Dangerfield’s actions were aimed at preventing Walsh from hitting the ground forcefully, thus deeming the tackle as not constituting rough conduct.
As a result of the successful appeal, Dangerfield is cleared to play in Geelong’s critical match against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night. Geelong, currently seventh on the ladder with a challenging recent record, will look to improve their form against third-placed Essendon in this crucial encounter.
