The 2014 AFL Premiership season has officially begun with Round 1 played over the last two weeks. From week one, two players accepted the early pleas for rough conduct and striking, consecutively. Meanwhile this week Match Review Panel has penalised another two players from week two matches.
Week 1
Andrew Walker (Carlton) – accepted a one match ban for rough conduct against Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide).
The MRP assessed the charge as level two engaging in rough conduct.
The initial penalty of a one match ban and 225 demerit points was reduced to a one match ban with an early plea.
Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney) – accepted a reprimand and 45 demerit points for striking Rhys Palmer (GWS).
The MRP assessed the charge as level one striking.
The initial penalty of a reprimand and 80 demerit points was reduced to a reprimand and 45 demerit points with an early plea.
Week 2
Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lions) – has received a one match ban for rough conduct against Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn).
The MRP assessed the charge as level two engaging in rough conduct.
The initial penalty of a two match ban and 225 demerit points was reduced to a one match ban with an early plea.
Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast) – has received a reprimand and 66 demerit points for tripping Jason Johannisen (Western Bulldogs).
The MRP assessed the charge as level one tripping.
The initial penalty of a reprimand and 80 demerit points was reduced to a reprimand and 66 demerit points with an early plea.
Sources:
AFL, ‘MRP full statement: round one, week one’, http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-17/mrp-full-statement-round-one-week-one, accessed 17th March 2014
AFL, ‘Walker accepts MRP penalty, misses Tiger clash’, http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-18/walker-accepts-penalty, accessed 24th Match 2014
AFL, ‘MRP full statement: round one (week two), http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-03-24/mrp-full-statement-round-one-week-two, accessed 24th Match 2014
