Kerr was ruled out for one match by the AFL Tribunal for his hit on Carlton's Marc Murphy before the bounce in the sides' round 10 clash.
Kerr argued unsuccessfully that he retaliating for a similar hit on teammate Matt Rosa, but Sumich said it was worth losing the valuable midfielder against Geelong to make a point.
"Daniel unfortunately cops a week, and he wears that, but I think our club and the younger players will look at that and say, 'Well he flew the flag and we're pretty rapt with that'," Sumich said from Subiaco Oval on Friday.
"I think Daniel's been terrific in that area.
"That's his call and a spur of the moment decision, but I thought it was a bit of tit for tat to be honest with you, that's the way it looked."
Sumich said it was hard for Kerr to get any physical support in the midfield with young players such as Chris Masten and Tom Swift still learning their trade.
Senior midfielder Chad Fletcher has been called into a preliminary squad of 25 for this Sunday's clash at Subiaco Oval, but Sumich said the majority of the side's seasoned players were now in other positions on the ground.
"We get a lot of criticism that no-one stands up for Daniel. But I find it very difficult to see that," Sumich said.
"You can say about the senior blokes, I think they're trying but there's only a number of them and they're playing in different positions.
"I keep reverting back to Geelong, three or four years ago I don't think (Gary) Ablett and a few others were getting protection when they were getting belted at different stages.
"You just grow into that."
The undefeated Cats are behind ladder leaders St Kilda only on percentage, but Sumich said the 2007 premiers remained the Eagles' biggest challenge.
Geelong travelled to Subiaco Oval last season for a 134-point win and coupled that with a 99-point triumph in round 22 at Skilled Stadium.
"I know St Kilda happen to be going very well, but I happened to stay over and watch Geelong versus Essendon and yeah, they were pretty awesome and in great nick," Sumich said.
"Hopefully we can bring that margin right back – it's an average of just over 100 points so we've got to make sure we bring that right back."
West Coast hasn't finalised its 22, but Fletcher is joined by Matt Priddis, Matt Spangher, Mark Seaby and Tim Houlihan in an extended 25-man squad.
Sumich said Priddis still had to prove he was over an adductor injury, while another mystery player would be watched closely at today's closed training session.
The coach said No.2 draft pick Nick Naitanui was close to making his debut, but needed at least another week in the WAFL to ensure he came into the side with form and confidence.
