While both – Sydney Swans skipper Brett Kirk and Brisbane Lion Luke Power – will be free to play this weekend, the pair’s appearances were a reminder to players that they must show a duty of care to the whistle-blowers.
Both men faced the tribunal relating to charges for making contact with a field umpire.
Match review panel chairman Andrew McKay – who sat in on Tuesday night’s hearings – had warned clubs just days before the start of the season that players should take care around umpires after bounces or risk being reported.
And Kirk’s case highlighted the AFL’s determination to protect its umpires. He was sent directly to the tribunal for recklessly making contact with field umpire Matthew James in his team’s win over the Hawks on Saturday night.
By midday Tuesday, the Swans had decided to plead guilty and take a 25 per cent reduction to his original penalty.
Kirk’s punishment was 93.75 demerit points and a $1950 fine. Swans player advocate Terry Forrest supported the match review panel’s verdict despite arguing mitigating circumstances in the case.
In his submission, he left the door ajar for the jury members to further downgrade the penalty.
Mr Forrest, who helped clear Barry Hall before the 2005 grand final as well as successfully appeal Magpies skipper Nick Maxwell, highlighted Kirk’s position – behind the umpire and to one side – when the ball was bounced.
He said he had spoken to Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos and the pair had agreed Kirk, renowned for his “commitment and unflinching courage” had few options.
“He didn’t have too many other places, realistically, where he could be on the ground,” Forrest said.
“If he doesn’t put himself there, Sam Mitchell is unaccountable and with a free run goal-side.”
Mr Forrest also suggested other players might use such tactics in the future.
“It’s smart footy if you can use the rules to slip your opponent,” he said.
Kirk said he was pleased that he could play footy this weekend.
"I will move on pretty quickly from this,” Kirk said. “I will seek clarification from my coach should this situation arise again."
Power, who was charged with making negligent contact with an umpire, wasn’t facing a ban but instead of paying a $1950 fine chose to risk paying $2600 if found guilty.
His player advocate, Sean Carroll, successfully argued that Carlton captain Chris Judd had contributed to the Lion making contact with umpire Ray Chamberlain in the opening minutes of Saturday night’s match at Docklands.
The Lion said Judd had grabbed his arm and impeded his run, forcing him to clip heels with umpire Chamberlain.
