GIANTS forward Jesse Hogan is free to take on the Lions on ANZAC Day while captain Toby Greene has had his one-match suspension upheld at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
Hogan was charged with striking following an incident with Blue Lewis Young in the goal square during Saturday’s match, with the offence graded as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact, equating to a one-week suspension.
On Tuesday night, the GIANTS argued that contact with Young’s face was less than negligible and that the charge of striking was not made out.
The Tribunal agreed with the submission and Hogan is free to play in Thursday night’s match.
The Tribunal then heard captain Toby Greene’s charge of rough conduct.
Greene was offered a one-match suspension following a marking contest with Blue Jordan Boyd in the fourth quarter of the round six match, with the incident assessed as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.
The GIANTS argued that the incident was a marking contest and Greene acted reasonably in the circumstances of trying to take a mark.
The Tribunal disagreed with the argument, finding that Greene braced at the last moment, thereby effecting a bump, with the suspension upheld.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney said:
“We’re pleased with the outcome of tonight’s tribunal with respect to Jesse’s case where the charge of striking was dismissed due to the negligible nature of the incident.
“We’re naturally disappointed Toby’s rough conduct charge was upheld, while acknowledging the necessary focus on protecting players from head high contact wherever possible.
“We took the charge further given our belief that this was a genuine marking contest which routinely happens within our game.
“We now look ahead to Thursday night’s ANZAC night match at Manuka Oval, which is closing in on a sell-out.”
The team for Thursday’s match will be announced at 6:20pm on Wednesday.
The GIANTS take on the Brisbane Lions on ANZAC night on Thursday at 7:30pm at Manuka Oval with limited tickets remaining.
