Mernda’s James Duclos handed 12-week ban for behind-the-ball strike

A 12-week ban at the Northern Football League tribunal has tipped a Mernda player over the life ban threshold after a behind-the-ball hit. WATCH VIDEO

A 12-match ban at the Northern Football League tribunal will mean a life ban for Mernda’s James Duclos.

Under AFL Victoria rules more than 16 weeks suspension over a player’s career results in an immediate life ban from the game.

The Demons big man faced the tribunal on Tuesday night after being reported for a behind-the-play strike against Old Eltham Collegians on Saturday.

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Mernda are not expected to appeal the suspension.

“We understand where this is at. It’s more about him moving forward and his young family,” Demons football manager Shaun Mills said.

Duclos was captured on match vision hitting Collegians’ Tim Woods in the back of the head.

Woods appeared to catch Duclos in the head with an elbow in a ruck contest, which may have triggered the attack.

Turtles players remonstrated after the hit, but the incident was seemingly missed by umpires as no free kick was paid and no report laid at the time.

Mernda won the game but narrowly missed out on a NFL Division 3 finals appearance.

Duclos hadn’t missed a game for Mernda this season.

Demons teammate Jesse Inzillo was suspended for seven weeks earlier this month for attempted striking.