Fremantle Dockers to challenge Patrick Voss three-game AFL ban for Nick Vlastuin tackle
Fremantle are challenging a three-game suspension given to forward Patrick Voss for striking Richmond ace Nick Vlastuin.
Voss attempted to lay a tackle on Vlastuin during the Dockers’ 61-point win on Sunday, but caught the Tigers premiership player across the face with a swinging right arm.
Vlastuin suffered a nasty cut on his nose and was sent from the field under the blood rule.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The incident was graded as severe impact, high contact and careless conduct by match review officer Michael Christian, who slapped a three-game ban on Voss.
Fremantle confirmed on Tuesday they were appealing the ban, with the AFL Tribunal hearing to take place on Tuesday night.
Tigers midfielder Tim Taranto remonstrated with Voss, and Vlastuin made a swinging arm motion when he described the incident to medical staff as he was helped from the field.
He was later spotted chatting amicably with Voss after the full-time siren.
Richmond coach Adem Yze didn’t feel there was much malice in the incident.
“His nose is a bit crooked, but that’s the game,” Yze said of Vlastuin after the match.
“He’s a tough player and puts his head in places that he probably shouldn’t.
“He passed all of that (concussion test), so it was just a blood rule. He’s got a bit of a shiner on his beak, but he’ll be OK.”
Vlastuin’s teammate Taranto ($3125) and Freo’s Jaeger O’Meara ($1500) were fined for accidental contact with umpires.
Meanwhile, six Port Adelaide and Hawthorn players have been fined for melees in Sunday night’s grudge game.
Port’s Kane Farrell, Ollie Wines, Ollie Lord and Mitch Georgiades were hit with fines between $1500 and $3125, and Hawk duo Blake Hardwick and Changkuoth Jiath received $1500 fines.
