West Coast defender Tom Barrass will miss the Eagles’ clash with Gold Coast, after the AFL Tribunal upheld his one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle.
Barrass’ tackle on Fremantle’s Michael Walters was deemed careless conduct, medium impact and high contact by Match Review Officer Michael Christian, with the Eagles attempting to have the incident downgraded to ‘low’ impact.
Central to their case was Barrass’ clean on-field record and his extensive work with the community off it, in a repeat of Brisbane’s infamous Tribunal defence of Charlie Cameron last week.
However, the Eagles’ argument was unsuccessful, with the Tribunal determining Barrass’ tackle ‘had the potential to cause a serious head or neck injury’.
“Barrass conceded that he used excessive force. He conceded Walters’ right arm was pinned,” the Tribunal’s explanation reads.
“The pinning of the right arm made Walters more vulnerable to injury because he could not use his arm to try to protect himself. Walters was also rotated by Barrass with such force that, even if Walters’ arm was free, he would have had little opportunity to try to use it to protect himself.
“The combination of the excessive force used, pinning of the arm and forceful rotation movement used in Barrass’ dangerous tackle created significant potential for a head or neck injury. This is also so given that Barrass appears in the vision to be a bigger and heavier player than Walters.”
The Eagles also attempted to have the case thrown out due to ‘exceptional and compelling circumstances’, which was likewise rejected.
“We do not consider that Barrass’ record, as good as it is and even if regarded as exemplary, makes it inappropriate or unreasonable to apply a one-match suspension,” the Tribunal’s explanation reads.
West Coast are set to rest No.1 draft pick Harley Reid against the Suns this weekend as the hype surrounding his breakout season hype goes into overdrive to ensure he is ready for the blockbuster against the Bombers the following round.
And the 19-year-old could become a very rich teenager very quickly after it was revealed he will become a $1 million player in just his third season depending on clauses in his contract.
According to Fox Footy, he will recieve huge bonuses if he finishes in the top 10 in the Brownlow Medal, top five in West Coast’s best and fairest or the AFL Rising Star award or makes the All-Australian squad.
He is a chance of doubling or even tripling his current earnings based on his recent form.
Reid is eligible to extend his deal beyond the three-year contract he inked when the Eagles took him with the first pick in the draft in 2022.
A fortnight ago there was debate around whether the Eagles – with 48 losses in 53 games – required AFL draft assistance to lift them out of the mire.
But a breakthrough win over Richmond in round five and the western derby thrashing of Fremantle last weekend have dramatically altered the narrative.
No.1 draft pick Reid’s performances have thrilled fans but assistant coach Jarrad Schofield says senior players, led by fit-again veteran Elliot Yeo and co-captain Liam Duggan, have also been vital in the resurgence.
Reid has shone in his opening six games and took his game up another level with three goals from 19 disposals in the stunning derby upset of Fremantle.
Fellow youngsters Noah Long, Reuben Ginbey, Campbell Chesser and Brady Hough have also impressed.
“I know Harley’s getting a lot of hype,” Schofield said, “but there’s the other fellas that are playing really well as well.
“It’s exciting for the younger fellas to be playing great footy and they’ve got great support from our leaders that are leading really well.”
West Coast are chasing three consecutive wins for the first time in almost three years when they travel to Gold Coast’s People First Stadium on Sunday.
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The good news keeps coming for unbeaten Geelong, who have secured young star Max Holmes with a four-year AFL deal.
There had been growing speculation about the 21-year-old’s future, given he was out of contract at the end of the season.
But as Holmes enjoys career-best form, the Cats confirmed on Tuesday night the speedy utility is staying.
He has played 27 out of Geelong’s last 29 games for a career total of 57.
His one obvious career setback was missing out on their 2022 premiership win because of a hamstring strain.
“Max has shown great progression since arriving at the Club with his speed and running capacity some of his exciting attributes,” said Cats football boss Andrew Mackie.
“He has a great attitude and commitment to his development and we can’t wait to see him continue to grow as a person and a player.
“He is a much-loved member both within our football program and by our members and supporters, so to have him running around in the hoops for the next four years is something we are all looking forward to.”
Holmes was among a number of Geelong players who will soon come out of contract.
Preparing to face Melbourne has unexpectedly hit first-year Richmond coach Adem Yze in the hip pocket.
The ex-Demons senior assistant coach will lead the Tigers (1-5) against his former club (4-2) for the first time in Wednesday night’s Anzac Day eve blockbuster at the MCG.
After three seasons at the Demons, including the breakthrough 2021 premiership, some habits are dying hard.
“I’ve copped a bit of flak with the players. I think I’m up to about 200 bucks at the moment for calling (Melbourne) players by their nicknames,” Yze said.
“But that’s been a little bit of fun, a bit of banter during the week.”
Melbourne counterpart Simon Goodwin and Yze haven’t exchanged pleasantries just yet.
“He’s been a great support for me, not only the last three years, but even the last three months so it’ll be good to see him after the game,” Yze said.
“But it’ll be on for young and old, obviously, during the game.”
Given Yze’s influence in building the Demons’ ball movement, they are wary of his inside knowledge.
“He would know us very well and we know him very well. So I don’t think there’s an advantage either way other than to say we have enormous respect for Adem,” Goodwin said.
“We know what he obviously did for us as a footy club and our coaching group, but also we’ve always respected what he does.
“(For) Richmond, it’s obviously been a challenging time with injury, but when you watch Richmond play, you know one thing: they’re going to bring effort, they’re gonna bring intensity and they’re going to play the right way.
“And you can see that even in their losses so far, they’ve challenged a lot of teams and they’ve beaten some teams up the top of the ladder so we’re gonna have to be right on our game.”
But Yze played down his own influence.
Adem Yze. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“To be fair, they’ve got a coach who was at this footy club last year as well in (Andrew) McQualter,” he said.
“So it’s going to be quite interesting what happens. We play a similar brand of footy. They play a terrific brand, they’re obviously a top-four team and someone that we’re trying to chase.
“So yeah, I’ve got some knowledge around individuals and things like that and what their strengths are, but we’ve obviously got to be able to curtail that.”
He is also relishing the chance to be involved in the Anzac Day eve game from the other side. “We know the privilege of playing and starting the weekend. And it’s just a great round of footy,” he said.
“It’s a finals-like atmosphere no matter where you are, where you sit on the ladder. We can’t wait to get started.”
with AAP
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