Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has been suspended for one match for rough conduct, a decision upheld by the AFL Tribunal. The incident occurred during a marking contest, and separate charges were also issued to other players.
Incident and Ruling
During the third quarter of the round 13 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats, Walker pushed Geelong defender Connor O'Sullivan into the path of Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson and Geelong's Mark O'Connor, who were contesting a mark. Dawson and O'Connor collided and fell to the ground. Both players completed the match.
The Match Review Officer (MRO) cited Walker for the incident, grading it as careless conduct, medium impact, and high contact. The MRO issued a one-match suspension. Adelaide challenged the finding at the AFL Tribunal on Monday.
Walker's counsel argued that the contact was not to the head. The Tribunal subsequently found there was clear high contact to the head and neck area and confirmed the medium impact grading, upholding the one-match ban. Adelaide announced it would not appeal the decision. As a result, Walker will miss the Crows' match against the Western Bulldogs.
Other MRO Charges
James Peatling (Adelaide)
Crows midfielder James Peatling was charged for engaging in a melee or wrestle with Geelong's Bailey Smith during the third quarter. He was fined $3,125, reduced to $1,875 with an early plea.
Jack Martin (Geelong)
Geelong player Jack Martin was offered a $2,000 fine for rough conduct against Adelaide's Josh Worrell.
Tom Stewart (Geelong)
Geelong's Tom Stewart was not cited by the MRO for a bump on Brisbane's Callum Ah Chee. The MRO determined that contact was made predominantly to the body and that Stewart's actions were "not unreasonable in the circumstances." Ah Chee did not finish the match due to a hamstring injury.
Commentary
Following the incident, several Fox Footy commentators provided assessments of Walker's actions. Leigh Montagna described the act as dangerous and stated Walker would be "very lucky" to receive only a fine. Jason Dunstall argued that any player engaging in such an act should be suspended. Sarah Jones described the action as "incredibly reckless." Jon Ralph said the act would likely result in a fine rather than a suspension, noting that Walker was "very lucky" Dawson was not concussed.
Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks stated he was "hoping there wasn't much in it" when asked about the incident.
Timeline
- Thursday night: Adelaide defeats Geelong by one point in round 13. The incident occurs in the third quarter.
- Friday: The MRO hands down a one-match suspension for Walker and fines for Peatling and Martin. The club is given until Monday to decide on a challenge.
- Monday: The AFL Tribunal upholds the one-match suspension. Adelaide confirms it will not appeal.