Bell Park FNC and family of Tom Pearson believe Colac player Jack Skinner should receive more than six-weeks for hit behind play

A local player “remains under ongoing medical supervision” after an ugly hit behind the play left him unconscious. His family and local club have addressed the issue and believe the six-week ban was light.

Bell Park and the family of Tom Pearson believe Colac teenager Jack Skinner should have received more than six-weeks for his ugly strike behind the play, with Pearson’s family declaring they “do not want any other player or family to experience what they have gone through.”

Pearson was knocked out unconscious, suffered convulsions on the ground and was stretchered from the field after being hit by Skinner in their round one clash at Central Reserve.

WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

The Bell Park player is continuing to recover from what the club and family describes as a “significant concussion” and “remains under ongoing medical supervision”.

Skinner was not initially cited by the AFL Barwon match review but Bell Park provided vision to AFL Barwon, with the matter heard on Wednesday night.

The Port Melbourne listed player pleaded not guilty, but the tribunal slapped him with a six-week ban for the incident, which was graded as intentional conduct, high contact and severe impact.

The slow-motion vision has been released on the request of Pearson’s family, showing Skinner striking the Bell Park player off the ball.

Thomas Pearson is tended to by medical staff as Jack Skinner (right) is wrestled by Bell Park players.

Bell Park will consider appealing the suspension to AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria.

In a statement to this masthead, Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club and the family of Tom Pearson said that the six-week ban was not in line with community standards.

“We are satisfied that the Tribunal recognised the seriousness of the incident by returning a guilty verdict. However, we do not believe the six-week suspension handed down reflects the expectations of the broader community, particularly at a time when concussion, player safety, and respect for the game are at the forefront of all sporting codes,” the statement said.

“Tom was rendered unconscious, suffered convulsions on the ground, and was stretchered from the field. He continues to recover from a significant concussion and remains under ongoing medical supervision. While we respect the Tribunal process and its finding, we believe this was a missed opportunity to send a stronger message to the football community that off-the-ball and dangerous incidents are unacceptable — at any level of the game.”

The Pearson family wants to ensure an incident like this does not happen again on a football field.

“The Pearson family has chosen to speak publicly because they do not want any other player or family to experience what they have gone through. Their hope is that this experience can help drive stronger standards, clearer accountability, and greater protection for players across all levels of football,” it said.

“We will continue to work with AFL Barwon and community football leaders to ensure that something positive comes from this incident, and that the wellbeing of all players remains at the heart of the game. We remain focused on supporting Tom in his recovery and thank our medical team, supporters, and wider community for their care and concern. Together, Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club and the Pearson family will continue to advocate for improved player welfare and accountability in community sport.”

Colac Football Netball Club wished Pearson well in his recovery and said they accept the tribunal’s decision.

“The Colac FNC has accepted and respects the decision of the tribunal after going through a lengthy, considered but fair process. We wish Tom and Bell Park well in the next steps to returning to the field,” the club said in a statement.

AFL Barwon declined to comment.

Originally published as Bell Park FNC and family of Tom Pearson believe Colac player Jack Skinner should receive more than six-weeks for hit behind play