Dogs dispute new AFL dangerous-tackle laws

Monday, 6 July 2020:

ISAAC SMITH of the Hawks and Hayden Crozier of the Bulldogs compete for the ball during the AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
ISAAC SMITH of the Hawks and Hayden Crozier of the Bulldogs compete for the ball during the AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.


Strict new dangerous-tackle laws will be put to the test at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night when the Western Bulldogs will challenge the one-match suspension handed to Hayden Crozier.

Defender Crozier was offered a ban for engaging in rough conduct against North Melbourne's Jack Mahony during the Dogs' 49-point win on Saturday night.

The tackle was assessed as careless conduct with medium impact and high contact after Mahony's head hit the turf.

It follows a major rule overhaul last month in the wake of Hawthorn veteran Shaun Burgoyne's sling tackle on Patrick Dangerfield in round two.

Burgoyne dumped the Geelong champion into the turf in an incident that sparked public outcry and incurred a financial penalty but not a suspension.

The AFL amended its rules days later to allow the match review officer to consider the "potential to cause serious injury" when assessing dangerous tackles, effectively ensuring players who committed similar acts would be suspended.

Crozier on Monday travelled with the entire Bulldogs squad to the Gold Coast for their hub stay but will sit out the clash with Carlton at Metricon Stadium on Sunday night if his ban is upheld.

The 26-year-old former Fremantle defender has played all five games for the Bulldogs this season, averaging 16.2 disposals and 3.4 tackles.

In other match review officer findings, Adelaide's Lachlan Murphy has been hit with a one-game ban for engaging in rough conduct against Fremantle's Adam Cerra.

The incident was assessed as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, and Murphy can accept a one-match suspension by pleading guilty.

Dockers veteran David Mundy has been charged with misconduct for an incident with Crows midfielder Brad Crouch. He can accept a $500 fine with an early plea.






AAP






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