Two-Game Ban for Dangerous Tackle
A lower-than-usual impact grading has resulted in Gold Coast utility player Sam Clohesy receiving a two-match AFL ban for a dangerous tackle that caused a concussion to GWS winger Ryan Angwin.
Clohesy’s teammate, Ben Long, also faced consequences after a heated exchange with Giants recruit Clayton Oliver. Long was fined twice for striking and misconduct during the incident.
The incident occurred during Gold Coast’s 20-point victory at People First Stadium on Sunday. Angwin had one arm free when he was tackled and driven into the ground, hitting his head on the turf. The 23-year-old was assisted by Giants trainers and initially jogged off the field but was later ruled out due to concussion.
The AFL match review officer (MRO) determined that Clohesy breached his duty of care to Angwin but rated the incident as “high” impact rather than the usual “severe” rating.
“Although a careless act causing a concussion typically receives a severe impact rating, the MRO considered factors relevant to the incident that were more consistent with a lesser impact grading,” the AFL stated in a release.
‘Extremely Remorseful’: AFL Probe into Lion’s Alleged Homophobic Remark
Brisbane Lions player Koby Evans is under investigation by the AFL following an alleged homophobic remark made during a VFL game on Saturday.
The AFL confirmed that its integrity unit became aware of the incident, which took place during the match between the Lions and Coburg.
“We have been made aware of a matter arising from the VFL round six match between Coburg and the Brisbane Lions, which has been referred to the AFL integrity unit,” the AFL stated in a statement.
Evans was selected by the Lions with pick No.38 in the draft last year. The club confirmed that the AFL is investigating the matter.
“The club is aware of the incident and has been working with Coburg and the AFL on it,” the Brisbane Lions said in a statement.
“The club has confirmed the player has apologised multiple times – on the field and again post-match. The player is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility. The club is disappointed the incident has occurred, while supporting and educating the player.”
This incident follows a lengthy investigation and tribunal process involving St Kilda player Lance Collard, who denied using a homophobic slur against an opponent in the VFL. Collard was initially suspended for nine weeks, but this was reduced to two weeks by the AFL Appeals Board.
The AFL then removed the chair of the appeals board, Will Houghton KC, after rejecting his reasoning that such language was “commonplace” at the highest levels of the game.
The investigation into Evans’ alleged remark marks the eighth time the AFL has dealt with an incident of alleged homophobic language in the past three years.
Collard had previously been suspended for six matches for a homophobic slur. Adelaide star Izak Rankine was suspended for four matches at the end of last season, which prevented him from participating in the Crows’ finals campaign.
Other players, including Sydney’s Riak Andrews, West Coast’s Jack Graham, Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson, and Gold Coast’s Wil Powell, have also served bans for similar offenses.
