AFL legends call for lengthy suspension after Jeremy Cameron’s hit on Harris Andrews
AFL legends have called for a suspension of up to six weeks for Jeremy Cameron after his flying elbow left Lion Harris Andrews in hospital and now diagnosed with internal bleeding.
GWS
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AFL legends have called for a ban of up to six weeks for Jeremy Cameron as the condition of victim Harris Andrews saw him admitted to hospital and now diagnosed with internal bleeding.
Andrews needed four stitches in his chin after the callous hit, then was admitted to hospital on Saturday night after he deteriorated.
Cameron will today be sent straight to the tribunal for a incident likely to be graded intentional given Cameron’s elbow to the head of Brisbane’s Andrews.
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Andrews will need more scans in coming days after being knocked out mid-air, the hit Cameron’s 11th MRO charge since 2012.
That lengthy rap sheet will not affect his suspension but MRO officer Michael Christian has consistently labelled incidents using elbows as intentional.
The AFL has increasingly plea-bargained with players, which means Cameron could consult with the league’s advocate on Tuesday then eventually plead guilty.
The view inside AFL House yesterday was that Cameron fell on his sword he would be able to plead guilty and receive a four-week suspension.
Premiership coach Paul Roos said yesterday coach Leon Cameron and his star forward had missed a chance to apologise and throw him at the mercy of the tribunal.
Roos stopped short of advocating a red card system but said the AFL should reintroduce a concussion sub to allow the Lions to replace Andrews.
It came as Triple M’s Wayne Schwass said a suspension of up to six weeks was acceptable for Cameron.
“I would suggest a five to six week suspension,” he said.
“His elbow is up when he comes into the contest. That is as serious an incident as I have seen for a long time.
“I don’t think he’s a dirty player but it doesn’t excuse the action. They were one man down and the potential ramifications of that hit on Harris Andrews could have been catastrophic.
“If it’s three weeks, he gets away with one.”
Said Roos of the potential penalty: “It’s five to six. If he gets four weeks he should skip out of the tribunal.”
GWS captain Phil Davis told 3AW Cameron’s relentless attack on the ball meant they didn’t want him to change the way he played.
“The game is played at such a high pace and it’s easy to sit in an arm chair (and criticise) if you haven’t played footy.
“There was absolutely no malice or intent in what happened. It was a very unfortunate event and it’s really important that we all think about Harrison’s health but the word dog act is misplaced in this place.”
He believes the Giants can keep up a three-match streak despite Cameron’s, with GWS taking on Hawthorn at home, then West Coast, Richmond and Port Adelaide.
“It’s going to be a massive game. Hawthorn are sitting two points in front of us so its important from a ladder point of view but even more important that we keep playing the brand of footy we are. It will be ferocious next Saturday. It will be a contest won on spirit and endeavor.”
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