Ben Long's Bump - Any defence?

[The Fireman]

Long Gone

[Yorkeys]

Somewhat surprised about the faux outrage/indignation. Fair cop, but its no worse than Shiels' and plenty of others - including Fyfe's crude hit on Geary last year. Not sure where the venom comes from other than guys like D. King wanting a look at me moment. I hope the tribunal weighs at the incident on its (de)merits and the suspension fits the crime not the baying of the crowd.

[mr six o'clock]

How about Long using the chewbacca defense !

[CURLY]

Brad Ebert was given one week for jumping up and picking off a GWS player. Surely Long has to only get 1 as well.

[silverhalo]

He will definitely get weeks but I thought it was brilliant - saw that Darcy was coming and protected himself by turning around and allowing him to run into the back of him. It was not a malicious act and I contend that if Darcy had picked himself up, nothing else would have been said about it.

Will miss Longy as he's been a revelation for us down back - love his hardness but might need to reign himself in a bit.

[St Plugger]

He will definitely get weeks but I thought it was brilliant - saw that Darcy was coming and protected himself by turning around and allowing him to run into the back of him. It was not a malicious act and I contend that if Darcy had picked himself up, nothing else would have been said about it.

Will miss Longy as he's been a revelation for us down back - love his hardness but might need to reign himself in a bit.

Absolutely correct analysis!

[suss]

I didn’t think it was too bad. Darcy kinda slid into the contest - it wasn’t one those cases where the player was bending over picking the ball up. Maybe high contact and high impact but reckless - not intentional. I don’t think he meant to hit him in the head. No doubt they’ll throw the book at him though.

[ace]

Ben Goes straight to the tribunal deemed Careless, Severe Impact, Head High - Long Gone, 4 weeks minimum.
Meanwhile Marshall Careless, Low Impact, Head High - Just Fine

It's the impact that makes the difference.

[To the top]

Agree it all revolves around the severity of the injury resulting from the collision

Which raises questions

The defence relied on by St Kilda will be of interest because, in my opinion, there is a defence to be made in this instance

The AFL reacts to media and media reporting for image purposes - and, in search of headlines, media craves its influence

A sinister circle

[ace]

https://www.saints.com.au/video/741782/ ... 4446836001
1:38
Not a hip and shoulder bump
Long trying to get in front of Darcy turns his back to Darcy.
Darcy diving for the ball.
Head of Darcy crashes into Long's back.
As Long braces for impact.
Long had no other way to play the ball that would not result in harm to Darcy.
Dive takes his Darcy's legs, go straight at the ball and Darcy's head plows into Long's hip.


But the tribunal will ignore the facts it is all about the outcome.
This is about the media and a need to send a message.
If someone gets concussed his opponent is to blame.

Long will be lucky at 4 weeks but 6 to 8 weeks more likely.

[Munga]

Yep, the AFL are more worried about their public image surrounding concussions than what's right or wrong. The AFL would rather there be a bad guy to blame when a concussion happens, they want all the parents to think the game is safe for their kids to play.

[Peanut Farm]

I honestly think that Marshall's cheap shot was worse. A clench fist to the face, it was intentional & the AFL is a joke for not giving him a week.
I feel sorry for Long, just an unfortunate outcome to Darcy. Not intentional, just an unlucky incident & imo players shouldn't get weeks for that. I know that Darcy was concussed but it was an accidental collision

[Munga]

I honestly think that Marshall's cheap shot was worse. A clench fist to the face, it was intentional & the AFL is a joke for not giving him a week.
I feel sorry for Long, just an unfortunate outcome to Darcy. Not intentional, just an unlucky incident & imo players shouldn't get weeks for that. I know that Darcy was concussed but it was an accidental collision

Agree. Marshall, Shiel, Ebert, all were intentional shots to the head. Long was playing quick and tough footy.

[CURLY]

Port Adelaide play StKilda in 2 weeks hence the one week ban. Can't think of any other reason for him escaping with one. Shiel 2 Ebert 1 and Long must face the tribunal for merely protecting his space with a near perfect technique.

[SaintPav]

So this still hasn’t been sorted?

Didn’t know Vic Gov were now conducting AFL tribunal hearings.

[Ghost Like]

So this still hasn’t been sorted?

Didn’t know Vic Gov were now conducting AFL tribunal hearings.

Nope, they are examining the Zabruder film tonight. The findings will be sealed for 75 years. In the meantime Long will not be allowed in South Australia for the foreseeable future.

[Devilhead]

Yes AFL have contacted NASA to receive satellite imagery of the incident as well as GeoScience Australia for seismic wave measurements at the point of contact

[fugazi]

I hope they get a biomechanics expert in.
Long braces himself and holds his ground while Darcy moved into him.
There is no way it was intentionally targeting his head.
As usual we will be on the end of a "set the precedent" decision.

[Devilhead]

I hope they get a biomechanics expert in.
Long braces himself and holds his ground while Darcy moved into him.
There is no way it was intentionally targeting his head.
As usual we will be on the end of a "set the precedent" decision.

Yes we have been involved with plenty of these ..... always on the wrong end though

[shrodes]

3 weeks for Longy

[Yorkeys]

There goes the run from defence and aggressive marking that has been a feature this year. Back to plan A minus 1 for three weeks at least. Shame when he was going so well.

[Devilhead]

Saints pled guilty and agreed to all elements of the charge incl the severe impact grading

[Ghost Like]

Saints pled guilty and agreed to all elements of the charge incl the severe impact grading

Absolutely crazy. So now days the oaf who stumbles, falls and panics will ensure the smart player, who knows how to protect himself and position himself is suspended. OK AFL, stay consistent.

[saynta]

Saints pled guilty and agreed to all elements of the charge incl the severe impact grading

It was a f****** accident.

[Devilhead]

Meanwhile Essendon are fighting Shiel's penalty