AFL tribunal: Nathan Broad banned for four weeks after sling tackle on Patrick Parnell

Nathan Broad has been given a holiday by the tribunal after a massive ban for his tackle. But an emotional apology to the player he concussed showed his remorse.

Nathan Broad dumps Patrick Parnell.

Nathan Broad’s multiple apologies for his “shithouse” sling tackle on Adelaide’s Patrick Parnell prevented the tribunal from considering a mammoth suspension – but Broad was still wiped out for four matches.

The defender pleaded guilty to all aspects of his rough conduct charge as the Tigers outlined his genuine and instant remorse at Tuesday night’s tribunal hearing.

Moments after slamming Parnell’s head into the turf, leaving the 21-year-old concussed, Broad told his opponent Darcy Fogarty: “I shouldn’t have done it. I didn’t mean to do it”.

Broad then sought out Crows coach Matthew Nicks near the bench after the game, asking to pass on a message that he was sorry and didn’t mean to do it.

Then, Broad explained to Tigers coach Damien Hardwick that he was sorry and had let the team down before asking ex-teammate Shane Edwards, who now works for Adelaide, for Parnell’s number.

Patrick Parnell has come from the ground after this tackle.#AFLCrowsTigerspic.twitter.com/9W78fKQyZl

— AFL (@AFL) March 25, 2023

Patrick Parnell is crunched into the turf by Tiger Nathan Broad. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Broad texted Patrick Parnell: “I don’t want you to accept my apology, but I shouldn’t have done it. Sorry, mate it was shithouse. Hope you’re OK and recover well.”

Broad followed up with another message checking on his health the next morning.

The Tigers pushed for a three-match ban, which would’ve allowed Broad, 29, to return for the Anzac eve blockbuster against Melbourne.

Given it was Broad’s first suspension, they claimed it “takes someone special to survive that environment (playing in defence) year in, year out without offending”.

But the tribunal described Broad’s tackle as “unquestionable dangerous” as it issued a blunt message to all players.

“Broad had Parnell wrapped up, Parnell was vulnerable, he had no realistic prospect of protecting himself and his head was slung to the ground with considerable force,” tribunal chairman Jeff Gleeson KC said.

“He has suffered a concussion and there was the potential for additional injuries. It is to (Broad’s) credit that he has not sought to minimize the nature or consequences of his conduct.

“His remorse is evidently genuine. He reached out to the Adelaide Football Club and to Mr Parnell on numerous occasions. We take that into account.

“We have said previously, and we repeat tonight – players must do all that they reasonably can not to cause avoidable head injuries to their fellow players.

“Every player is now taken to be aware of the damaging and sometimes long-term consequences of concussion.

“If not for the early guilty plea to all elements of the charge, and the clear contrition, our starting point for the sanction may have been more than four matches.”

Broad must miss games against Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Sydney and Melbourne, leaving the Tigers’ defence threadbare with Josh Gibcus (hamstring) and Robbie Tarra (hip) also unavailable.

The Tigers could have to make four forced changes this week with Jayden Short (calf) certain to miss and doubt over Dustin Martin (hamstring) and Jacob Hopper (knee).

They are likely to consider Jack Ross, Hugo Ralphsmith, Tyler Sonsie and Judson Clarke for the Friday night blockbuster at the MCG.

BALLARD HAS BAN OVERTURNED, FREE TO PLAY GEELONG

Geelong’s danger game against Gold Coast was made even trickier on Tuesday night when Suns defender Charlie Ballard was cleared to play by the tribunal.

Ballard, who is now likely to man Tom Hawkins or Jeremy Cameron on Sunday, gave evidence that ultimately had his striking charge downgraded from intentional conduct to careless conduct.

Ballard told the tribunal he was trying to fend off Bomber Matt Guelfi, who was blocking him as he attempted to get to opponent Harry Jones in preparation for a marking contest.

Ballard initially made contact with Guelfi’s arm but said that sweat had made his strike slip up to Guelfi’s head.

Charlie Ballard is free to play the Cats.

“It is common ground that he did strike the head. But it’s also common ground that the initial contact was to the body and that it slid up to the head,” tribunal chairman Jeff Gleeson KC said when he delivered the verdict.

“If Ballard intended to commit the reportable offence of a strike to the body, the charge would be made out.

“But the force you intend to apply to a blow to the arm or chest in order to constitute a reportable offence must generally be greater than the force you intend to apply to the head in order to constitute a reportable offence.

“Put simply, some blows would be a strike if intended to land on the head, but would not be a strike if intended to land on the arm or chest.

“This is one of those instances. We accept Mr Ballard’s straightforward evidence that he intended to fend off Guelfi, and did not intend to strike him.

“It is consistent with our viewing the video. We find the strike to the head was careless but not intentional.”

Ballard will now pay a fine instead of missing the round 3 match against the Cats.