Sydney Swans to appeal length of Luke Parker's six-game AFL/VFL ban
Sydney have changed their minds and will appeal against the severity of Luke Parker’s six-game VFL ban.
The Swans decided on Wednesday afternoon to contest the verdict, handed down the previous night after a marathon VFL Tribunal hearing.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, Parker will not return to the AFL until well into July, at the earliest.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In a story posted on the club website soon after the hearing, Sydney said they had accepted the tribunal decision.
Parker was referred directly to the tribunal for his heavy bump in a VFL game last Friday night that hospitalised Frankston opponent Josh Smith.
The Swans star, who said in his evidence that he had apologised to Smith, has not played any senior football this season.
The VFL could have suspended him for four games, but opted to refer the case to a tribunal hearing.
It is unclear when the appeal will be heard, given the Swans had pleaded guilty and were only arguing in Tuesday’s hearing against the severity of the suspension.
They were aiming for about a four-week ban.
In handing down the penalty, tribunal chairman Tim Bourke said Parker had failed in his duty of care to Smith.
Parker ran past the ball before slowing down and then colliding with Smith.
The incident was graded as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.
Parker has played 283 AFL games for the Swans.
