North Melbourne midfielder Luke Parker has cheekily roasted teammate Paul Curtis’ three-match ban for a dangerous tackle, calling the game “touch football.”
Meanwhile fellow Kangaroos star Harry Sheezel said he didn’t know you couldn’t pin both arms and tackle a player from behind.
The tribunal on Tuesday night upheld Curtis’ rough conduct charge for his chase-down tackle that left Port Adelaide’s Josh Sinn concussed last weekend.
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It means Curtis will miss the Kangaroos’ next three matches against Essendon, Brisbane and Richmond, though North will reportedly consider an appeal.
Parker took to social media after North confirmed Tuesday night’s verdict on Instagram, re-sharing the post to his story.
“Please attend our touch football game this Thursday night vs Essendon #nomoretackling,” Parker wrote.
'We're asking a lot' Garry on tackle ban | 03:42
The tribunal outlined four key reasons for upholding the ban, stating: “A prudent player would have realised that in executing a tackle in this way carried with it a real likelihood of Sinn’s head making forceful contact with the ground with the potential for a concussion.”
Fox Footy AFL 360 co-host Gerard Whateley believes it’s now been clearly spelt out to players the risk of chase-down tackling.
“This is a comprehensive judgement, it is spelt out in detail and it comes with a crystal clear warning for the players,” he said on Tuesday night’s program.
“I don’t think they were until tonight. This is unmissable what’s being demanded.
“You don’t necessarily have to like what’s happened tonight, but it has been prescribed absolutely.”
'He can't handle those requirements' | 02:30
Melbourne legend Garry Lyon suggested too much was being asked of modern players “in the heat of a fiercely competitive and combative sport”.
“Now now only do you have to be uber competitive and super physical, you have to be prudent,” Lyon said.
“Geez, we’re asking a lot. If you’re a coach or a football manager, you are telling your players you must never, ever have your feet leave the ground in a chase-down tackle from behind.
“We know the head is of critical importance ... but we haven’t got 23 prudent players in a side.
“It is incumbent upon the players and coaches, despite the noise, you’re going to have to modify, or you don’t play.
“The explanation of the bump will ring true here. You can still bump, but if you hit them in the head you’re taking your footy life in your hands. You can still chase down tackle, but if you knock them in the process you’re taking your footy life in your own hands.”
Appearing later on AFL 360, Sheezel said he thinks it’s a “harsh” penalty for the tackling act, irrespective of it involving his teammate.
“It’s a difficult one, especially a teammate in such good form. I personally think it’s a bit harsh,” the third-year Kangaroo said.
“From a player’s perspective, not talking just because it’s Paul, it’s pretty hard to make those split second decisions in that moment to show that duty of care.
“Obviously we want to stamp out concussion and I feel bad for Josh, but I think it is very hard in that moment to do something else.”
Asked if he understands what he’s expected to do moving forward, Sheezel said: “Sort of, you now have to be even more careful.
“Leading into this weekend I wouldn’t have known you couldn’t do that tackle.
“I don’t think Paul knew that, which is kind of the bad thing about this case, because now he’s missing three weeks because of it.”
