The match-day report against Matt Thomas for rough conduct against Nathan Bassett was thrown out. It was assessed as follows…
The match day report against Port Adelaide's Matt Thomas for engaging in rough conduct against Adelaide's Nathan Bassett was assessed. It was the view of the panel that Thomas tackles Bassett as he kicks the ball. Thomas went to his knees in order to tackle Bassett to the ground and the momentum of both players forces Bassett forward. Thomas had both of Bassett's arms pinned, so the Adelaide player was unable to brace his fall and Bassett's head hit the ground. Thomas' tackle was considered to be a single motion, rather than a tackle and then a sling to the ground. It was considered to be different from the examples highlighted to clubs in the 2007 Tribunal DVD, which was seen as two different motions within the tackle. Therefore, the action was considered not unreasonable in the circumstances and therefore not reportable. No further action was taken.
The match review panel reviewed two other incidents but did not believe they were worthy of report. Here’s the match review panel’s findings…
Contact between Port Adelaide's Dean Brogan and Adelaide's Luke Jericho from the second quarter of Sunday's match was assessed. It was the view of the panel that the ball is handpassed to Jericho, but goes over his head. Jericho turns to chase the ball and, at the same time, Brogan runs in from the opposite direction with his eyes on the ball. One to two steps from contact, Brogan's eyes leave the ball as it is now out of his reach. Brogan's chest and the front part of his shoulder make contact with Jericho's chest and shoulder region. Brogan does not turn side-on to bump Jericho. Contact was considered unavoidable and not unreasonable in the circumstances. No further action was required.
Contact between Port Adelaide's Michael Pettigrew and Adelaide's Scott Thompson from the fourth quarter of Sunday's match was assessed. Thompson backs back to contest a mark, while Pettigrew runs in from behind and to the side with his eyes on the ball. Pettigrew jumps to make a contest, but realises he is too late to do so, and turns to protect himself, making the bulk of contact to Thompson's shoulder and left side. Although contact was slightly late, it was not considered a reportable offence and no further action was taken.
