The AFL wishes to advise the Match Review Panel has reviewed the practice matches, played between March 6-8. The following charges were laid:

Charges Laid:

Michael Walters, Fremantle, has been charged with a Level One Engaging in Rough Conduct Offence (125 demerit points, one-match sanction) for engaging in rough conduct against Brant Colledge, West Coast, during the fourth quarter of the practice match between Fremantle and West Coast played at Patersons Stadium on Thursday March 6, 2014.

In summary, he can accept a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record with an early plea.

After speaking to the umpire who laid the match-day report and based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the West Coast Football Club, the incident was assessed as negligent conduct (one point), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points). This is a total of four activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level One Offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction. He has no existing good or bad record. An early plea reduces the sanction by 25 per cent to a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record.

Zach Tuohy, Carlton, has been charged with a Level Two Striking Offence (125 demerit points, one-match sanction) for striking Stewart Crameri, Western Bulldogs, during the first quarter of the practice match between Carlton and the Western Bulldogs, played at Visy Park on Friday March 7, 2014.

In summary, he can accept a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record with an early plea.

After an investigation conducted by the Match Review Panel and based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the Western Bulldogs Football Club, the incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Two Offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction. He has no existing good or bad record. An early plea reduces the sanction by 25 per cent to a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record.

Other Incidents Assessed:

The match day report against Essendon’s Jake Carlisle for misconduct (kneeing) Richmond’s Steve Morris was assessed. After speaking to the umpire who laid the match-day report, viewing all available footage and receiving a medical report from the Richmond Football Club, it was the view of the panel the force used was below that required to constitute a report. No further action was taken.

Contact between Hawthorn’s Jordan Lewis and Melbourne’s Nathan Jones from the first quarter of Saturday’s practice match was assessed. The panel said the ball was bounced in the centre with Lewis and Jones going towards the ball from opposite directions. Lewis punched the ball with his left arm and then made high contact with Jones. It was the view of the panel that Lewis was contesting the ball and the high contact made to his opponent was accidental after he had made contact with the ball. No further action was taken.

Ends

Patrick Keane