WESTERN Australia star draft prospect Ian Hill will miss the chance to showcase his skills in front of recruiters against the Allies at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday after he was rubbed out for two matches for an illegal 'sling' tackle.
An AFL Tribunal met on Tuesday morning and charged Hill – a top-10 prospect in this year's NAB AFL Draft – with engaging in rough conduct for an illegal tackle that left Vic Country's Laitham Vandermeer with concussion and a broken collarbone.
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WA officials had hoped an early guilty plea from Hill would see his ban reduced to a reprimand, but were left disappointed when the verdict was handed down.
Hill was awarded a free kick for holding the ball with Vandermeer stretchered off after his head thumped into the GMHBA Stadium turf in the tackle.
The two-game ban will see the top WA prospect sidelined for the final round clash against the Allies of the Under-18 NAB AFL Championships, and he will also miss the next Perth WAFL colts game he is available for.
Western Australia argued there was no malice or intent to hurt in the tackle, with Hill contacting Vandermeer on Sunday evening to offer his apologies for his part in the incident.
It is understood the Vandermeer family were thankful for the call and hold no ill-feelings towards the WA star.
The 18-year-old Hill told AFL.com.au prior to the tribunal hearing on Monday that he was keen to follow up last Friday's win over Vic Country with the state's second against the Allies on Wednesday.
As a bottom-aged player last year, Hill's lightning pace and ability to break the game open was a notable feature of the corresponding fixture at Etihad with 25 disposals and five inside 50s.
Hill, a second cousin of Fremantle's Stephen and Bradley Hill, has averaged 14 disposals and kicked three goals across three games of the carnival this season.
"It's a lot different this year because as a bottom-aged player last year you didn't get too much focus on you," Hill told AFL.com.au on Monday.
"Now there's a lot more attention on you and a bit more pressure on to perform."
Hill is also related to former Collingwood forward Leon Davis and Carlton forward Jarrod Pickett.
The speedy west Australian said he was hopeful of playing some senior footy when he returned to the WAFL after the championships and aimed to add strength and size to his 175cm and 76kg frame.