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Umpire evidence key as AFL bans Walters

Michael Walters, Dougal Howard and Karl Amon all face one-game bans, while the Eagles will take Jeremy McGovern's suspension to the tribunal.

Freemantle star Michael Walters (C)
Michael Walters (C) has been playing well despite the niggle he gets, Fremantle's Nat Fyfe says. (AAP)

Fremantle will consider challenging Michael Walters' one-game ban for headbutting Melbourne opponent Jay Lockhart on Saturday at the MCG.

But the Dockers will face two significant obstacles should they decide their in-form star joins West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern at the AFL tribunal.

The Eagles confirmed on Monday that they would take McGovern's one-game rough conduct ban to the Tuesday tribunal hearing.

There is no clear video footage of the Walters-Lockart incident and that, combined with the evidence of reporting umpire Curtis Deboy, makes this a tough charge for the Dockers to overcome.

Deboy booked Walters during the game and match reviewer Michael Christian said the field umpire's evidence was a key factor in the decision to uphold the charge.

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"He was perfectly positioned and his evidence did carry some significant weight," Christian said of Deboy.

"After his evidence, we were satisfied there was enough impact to grade it low impact."

It was a costly loss for the Dockers, with Jesse Hogan and Stephen Hill also injured in the match.

Walters was one of their best, continuing his strong form with three goals.

The Dockers will host resurgent Carlton next Sunday.

Port Adelaide also paid a price for Saturday night's upset win over top side Geelong.

Karl Amon was suspended for one game after his bump left Gary Rohan concussed, and teammate Dougal Howard was also banned for one match after he gut-punched Harry Taylor.

Port are at home next Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Christian explained why McGovern's incident, where he pushed Essendon youngster Matt Guelfi into the Optus Stadium fence last Thursday night, was graded as careless conduct.

"Where it got into the careless area was the extension of Jeremy's arms and pushing Matt Guelfi into the fence," Christian said.

"That occurred - in our opinion - significantly over the boundary line, a metre or so."

Also on Monday, Melbourne utility Jayden Hunt and Fremantle opponent Luke Ryan were fined for wrestling each other, and Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English can accept a $2000 fine for striking Collingwood defender Jack Crisp.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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