GWS’ Lachie Ash has seen his one-game suspension for rough conduct upheld at the AFL Tribunal, with the Giants backman remaining unavailable to play in Round 24 against the Western Bulldogs.
The Giants challenged the Match Review Officer’s charge of rough conduct following Ash’s ‘dangerous tackle’ on Fremantle player Hayden Young during last Saturday’s game between the Giants and Dockers.
At Tuesday’s Tribunal hearing, the Giants, counselled by Anais d’Arville, argued that Ash’s actions did not warrant a rough conduct charge, as he did not act unreasonably in the circumstances, and that they were not likely to cause injury.
Ash gave evidence during the hearing, stating he could not have let go of Young’s right arm during the tackle given it would have allowed Young to dispose of the ball freely. He also stated that while he could have acted differently, other actions were likely to lead to an incorrect tackle of his desire.
AFL Counsel Sally Flynn stated that Ash “breached the duty of care he owed to Young by rotating him to the ground, which he did with excessive force while Young was in a vulnerable position.”
Flynn said that Young’s face/chin made forceful contact with the ground, while Young’s left arm was holding onto the ball and he was unable to use that arm to brace himself for contact.
A medical report confirmed Young was not injured as a result of the tackle, however the AFL submitted that Ash’s tackle had the potential to cause injury.
d’Arville argued that Ash’s actions in holding Young’s right arm and leave the other free left Young with “a very good opportunity to protect himself”, and that what Ash did by limiting his opponent’s ability to dispose of the ball is “the point of a tackle”.
The result of the Tribunal hearing will see Ash unavailable to play against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.
