Toby Greene, the captain of Greater Western Sydney, has received a one-match suspension for making high contact with Carlton defender Jordan Boyd during a marking contest. The Giants are considering whether to appeal this controversial decision. This suspension comes as a setback for GWS, who will also be missing their top goal scorer, Jesse Hogan, on Anzac Day due to a suspension for striking Carlton’s Lewis Young. Additionally, the team is already dealing with injuries to midfielder Stephen Coniglio and defender Sam Taylor.
The match review officer deemed Greene’s action as rough conduct, grading it as careless conduct, medium impact, and high contact, resulting in a one-week suspension. Hogan was charged with intentionally striking Young, with low impact and high contact.
The decision regarding Greene has sparked intense debate, with former Geelong captain Cameron Ling arguing that the collision did not warrant a suspension. Boyd and Greene both went for the ball at the same time, with Greene’s shoulder making high contact with Boyd, who was awarded a free kick. Boyd was not concussed and continued playing.
Ling pointed out that this incident differed slightly from a previous clash between Essendon’s Peter Wright and Sydney’s Harry Cunningham, where Wright received a four-match suspension after colliding with Cunningham, who was concussed.
Giants coach Adam Kingsley initially believed Greene would not face suspension, emphasizing Greene’s right to contest the ball and his focus on marking during the incident.
Meanwhile, West Coast defender Tom Barrass also received a one-match suspension for rough conduct against Fremantle’s Michael Walters.
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