The AFL acknowledges and accepts the decision of the AFL Appeals Board in overturning the Tribunal’s decision to suspend Patrick Cripps of the Carlton Football Club.  

As the Appeal Board Chairman commented last night, the case involved complexities and the AFL will closely review the Appeal Board’s detailed reasons for the decision that will be received in due course.

That said, the health and safety of our players at an elite and community level is of paramount importance and that priority will continue to inform the AFL’s ongoing work in taking action where health and safety is impacted or at risk.

Executive General Manager of Football, Andrew Dillon said it was far too early to say whether the decision would prompt any changes in the AFL’s regulations or Tribunal procedures, but the AFL would not shy away from taking such action if it was needed.

"The health and safety of our players is of paramount importance to the AFL and we will continue to evaluate and, where necessary, act to prioritise that objective in relation to the occurrence of concussion and other injuries in the playing of our game," Mr Dillon said.