Outer East league: Seville’s Rob Petracca to miss Division 1 grand final
The Outer East league appeals board has made a call on Seville forward Rob Petracca’s availability for Friday’s Division 1 grand final.
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Seville will rejig its forward line for Friday’s grand final against Gembrook Cockatoo after Rob Petracca failed in his bid to overturn a two-match ban at the Outer East league tribunal on Tuesday night.
Petracca’s suspension will remain, meaning he will miss the flag decider.
He was rubbed out for striking in Seville’s 21-point second semi-final win over Gembrook Cockatoo, its opponent in the grand final.
Seville coach Chris Murphy was disappointed Gembrook Cockatoo asked the league to investigate the incident.
“We’ll have to move on and use it for some inspiration,” Murphy said.
“Obviously we didn’t want Petracca out but Gembrook obviously did so that’s why they put in the complaint which is a bit spiteful in my eyes, but that’s the way the world goes these days.
“I’m not happy with it.
“It’s not my code of conduct and most of the footy world, but…”
Murphy said Petracca was devastated he would miss the grand final.
“I had Rob on the phone this morning at six o’clock and he was in tears, shattered. Poor bugger,” he said.
“I’m just dirty, it’s something I wouldn’t do but anyway what do you do? You go and beat them, that’s what you do.”
Murphy said Petracca, who has kicked 17 goals in his past four games and 34 for the season, was an important player for Seville.
“He’s a bloke who mightn’t get a kick for three quarters and then kick three goals in a quarter and win you the game, that’s the sort of player Rob is,” he said.
“Or he can do it all day and kick seven or eight.
“He’s a big one and everyone looks up to him. When he speaks they all listen up.”
Murphy said speedy wingman Sonny Saniga would replace Petracca in the Blues line up for the grand final after recovering from an ankle injury.
Friday’s grand final has been moved to Woori Yallock after it was feared the Yarra Glen ground could be flooded.
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