AFL Now: Latest updates, injury lists, tribunal and team news on Tuesday ahead of Round 6
Fremantle forward Patrick Voss will have to sit through one of the longer bans of 2025 after the Dockers failed to have his three-game ban overturned at the AFL tribunal.
Fremantle has been unsuccessful in its bid to downgrade the three-match suspension handed down to forward Patrick Voss for striking Richmond’s Nick Vlastuin.
In attempting to swing his arm and complete a tackle late in their Gather Round clash against the Tigers at Barossa Park, Voss’ fist made direct contact with Vlastuin’s nose. The incident left the experienced Tigers defender with a broken nose that required medical attention.
RECAP ALL THE DAY’S FOOTY NEWS BELOW
Voss was charged with striking over the collision, with the incident graded as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact. The only grading the Dockers contested was impact, with Voss pleading guilty to the other elements.
The AFL argued six different reasons why severe impact was the correct grading, focusing on the nasal fracture, the force evident in footage of the incident, Voss’ lack of mitigation during the clash and the fact that Vlastuin was left on the ground for more than 20 seconds due to the force of the impact.
In response, while Fremantle didn’t disagree with the fact that the nasal fracture had occurred, their argument focused on the fact that the extent of the injury could be disputed.
Their evidence relied on the injury report submitted by Richmond confirming that Vlastuin would not miss any training or games from the incident.
They also argued that a common-sense approach for impact is needed, that Voss’ height advantage should come into consideration, and that in the majority of recent cases where severe impact was found, the injured player did not actually play the next week, unlike Vlastuin.
The Dockers even went as far as trying to submit into evidence the testimony of a plastic and reconstructive surgeon to discuss why a nasal fracture is different to any other part of the body. However, the Tribunal dismissed that attempt, particularly due to the fact that the doctor in question had not personally examined Vlastuin.
After a relatively short deliberation for the Tribunal, chair Jeff Gleeson confirmed that the panel had sided with the AFL and were in agreement that Voss’ conduct met the threshold for severe impact.
They felt the potential for more serious impact was real, and that Vlastuin could have easily sustained a concussion from Voss’ lack of mitigation and full arm extension. The 21-year-old, who has kicked three goals this season, will now miss the Dockers’ next three matches against Melbourne, Adelaide and St Kilda.
Originally published as AFL Now: Latest updates, injury lists, tribunal and team news on Tuesday ahead of Round 6
Crows crumble in west amid Dawson form concerns
Adelaide has been dealt a harsh reality check in the west, falling to a disappointing loss against Fremantle which left the club with injury and MRO concerns. See full SuperCoach takeaways and reaction here.
‘We don’t know’: Pies hopeful after McStay knee blow
Collingwood remains hopeful spearhead Dan McStay has avoided another ACL injury after he was subbed on Anzac Day with a knee concern.