Andrew Gaff has been handed the equal-longest AFL suspension this century, after a punch to Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw which saw the Eagles’ midfielder cop an eight-match ban.
The sanction handed to Gaff means that his season is over, ruling him out of the last three matches of the home and away season plus all rounds during the finals — depending on if West Coast make it far into the finals series. The Tribunal hearing which delivered the ban to Gaff lasted just over two hours, as numerous character references were read out in defence of the 26-year-old. AFL legal counsel Jeff Gleeson QC said, “Good people do bad things. It doesn’t make them bad people”. He stated that he was not punishing the character of Gaff, but the action that had been taken. But whilst believing the references that defended Gaff’s character, he did not hold back on his description of the incident. “Unrestrained in its execution, ferocious in its impact and grave in its consequences,” Gleeson said. Gleeson argued that a sanction of 8-12 matches would be appropriate, but Gaff’s legal representative, David Grace QC disagreed and stated that the suggestion was “manifestly excessive” and a “demonstratively high figure”. Grace believed a minimum of three matches would be more appropriate, but did not suggest a definitive sanction. It took just 14 minutes for the Tribunal’s jury of Shane Wakelin, David Neitz and Wayne Henwood to decide on the eight-match sanction. The only other player to receive a sanction of eight matches this century was Dean Solomon, back in 2008 when he elbowed Cameron Ling. When the hearing concluded, Gaff fronted reporters and cameramen outside and apologised for his action. “First of all, I just want to say I’m so, so sorry for Andrew and the Brayshaw family and the pain I’ve caused them over the last 48 hours,” Gaff said. “I respect the Brayshaw boys so much and the way they go about it. “I own my actions and it really hurts a lot. The last 48 hours have probably been the toughest couple of days of my life. The people that I’ve spoken to know the world of pain I’m in and how much I’m suffering. “I see myself as a caring, gentle and measured person. That’s why it’s disappointing. “I’m disappointed for Andrew, I’m disappointed in myself, I’m disappointed to let my teammates down at an important time of the year and I’m disappointed to let my supporters down as well. “For the time being, I’m going to surround myself with my friends and family and those who care for me most. But once again, I just want to apologise wholeheartedly to Andrew and I hope he gets better soon.” The punch to Brayshaw’s mouth means that the 18-year-old will later require dental surgery to fix or replace the teeth that had been hinged backwards.
0 Comments
West Coast's star ruckman Nic Naitanui has suffered a cruel blow — just 15 matches into his comeback from a 19-month recovery period, the 28-year-old has ruptured the ACL in his right knee.
Scans on Monday revealed Naitanui's injury was in his other "good" knee. The rupture occurred during the second quarter of the Eagles' 35-point win over Collingwood at the MCG. The long-term injury could impact on the Eagles' premiership chances, but Scott Lyccett managed to fulfill Naitanui's role during the second half against Collingwood. Nathan Vardy may also come in as a second ruckman to assist in the absense of the 201cm tall. Eagles coach Adam Simpson spoke on Channel Seven, confirming that Naitanui needs a knee reconstruction. "Unofrtunately, he does. Really disappointing for Nic and the club," Simpson said. "We can't dwell on it for too long. We've got a game coming up pretty quickly and Nic knows that, he's been through it. "My heart goes out to him." Simpson spoke about Naitanui's long recovery ahead, but stated that the club had to get on with the season without him. "Personally, it's a long road back. He spent a good 16 or 17 months getting back to fitness. "He did make a difference for us for this part of the year, but he'll go through the same process and he'll be back better than ever. "In the meantime, we need to get on with the season." Naitanui posted a video on Instagram stating that his "heart hurts" and that he wished his mother could be with him to help him get through his recovery. "Times like this I wish I had your shoulder to cry on all day or a massive hug to say it'll all be ok," the post read. "Time to suck it up n soldier on. "My heart hurts right now but if you know me there's some poor soul confronting tougher trials and tribulations in the world. "God gives His hardest battles, to His strongest soldiers #watchmeprevail" Naitanui will spend the next year on the sidelines, but he is expected to return stronger than ever.
|
SOCIAL MEDIA
Archives |