SANFL to reassess Barry Johncock's life ban after a report from a psychologist

THE SANFL will hold open an appeal against a life ban on Barry Johncock Jnr until it considers a psychological report on the Mallee Park player.

THE SANFL will hold open an appeal against a life ban on Barry Johncock Jnr until it considers a psychological report on the Mallee Park player.

Johncock, who appealed the ban at West Lakes last night, is consulting an AFL accredited psychologist.

The treatment is aimed at modifying the on-field conduct, which has led to Johncock being suspended for 18 games during his career.

Players suspended for 16 games or more over a career are automatically deregistered under AFL guidelines.

The SANFL appeals tribunal heard that Johncock, the brother of retired Crows utility, Graham, had completed three or six planned sessions with the psychologist, Community Football manager Glen Rosser said.

“The tribunal deferred its decision because Barry is going through rehabilitation and once that’s completed, it will request a report before ruling,’’ he said. “If he can successfully complete the rehab, that will stand him in good stead to put forward a case (to overturn the ban).’’

The league expected a copy of the psychologist report before October 29 when it is scheduled to reconvene, Rosser said.

On Friday, Mallee Park lodged a Supreme Court injunction against the ban with the SANFL which allow him to play the first-semi final against Port Lincoln South last Saturday, however, he withdrew late because of a family emergency.