Ben Long’s one-match suspension upheld after AFL Tribunal drama

After a lengthy deliberation, the AFL Tribunal upheld Ben Long’s one-match suspension for rough conduct, but the drama may not be over.

After a lengthy deliberation, the AFL Tribunal upheld Ben Long’s one-match suspension for rough conduct, but the drama may not be over.

Ben Long will not feature in Friday evening’s semi-final against the Richmond Tigers after the AFL Tribunal upheld his one-match suspension for rough conduct, unless St Kilda successfully appeal the decision.

During Saturday’s elimination final against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba, Long put a late bump on Jack Macrae early in the first quarter.

Long collided with Macrae after a centre bounce, his shoulder making contact with the All-Australian’s head, who spun 360 degrees upon impact.

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“He’s very lucky Macrae got back up. That’s MRO otherwise,” three-time premiership player Jimmy Bartel said on Channel 7.

“Impact is one of the boxes that needs to be ticked, and the fact Macrae got back up and kept playing (should help).”

Ben Long in action during Saturday’s match against the Western Bulldogs.

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On Sunday, the 23-year-old was charged by the MRO with “engaging in rough conduct”, and the incident was assessed as “careless conduct, medium impact and high contact”.

St Kilda took the decision to the AFL Tribunal, arguing the bump’s “impact” should be downgraded from medium to low. If the change was implemented, Long would just cop a fine and be available for Friday evening’s match on the Gold Coast.

But after half an hour of deliberation on Monday evening, the AFL Tribunal upheld the initial sanction.

St Kilda chief operating officer Simon Lethlean revealed the club could appeal the decision.

“We are disappointed for Ben and will strongly assess our options for appeal,” Lethlean said in a statement.

“We have until midday Tuesday to submit an appeal and it appears the likely option at this early stage.”

St Kilda strongly considering appealing Ben Long's suspension. These are the grounds for appeal at the AFL tribunal. pic.twitter.com/jeZxWoMBjm

— Daniel Cherny 📰 (@DanielCherny) October 5, 2020

Representing the AFL, Jeff Gleeson QC argued the severity of Macrae’ injury was irrelevant when deciphering the incident’s “impact”.

“(Long) came off the line, had gathered speed, and the force at which he hit Macrae was considerable. What happens as a consequence of the force is in the lap of the Gods,” Gleeson said, as reported by foxsports.com.au.

“The player may or may not suffer a concussion. He may or may not suffer a broken jaw. He may get up and run off. That’s really not the point.

“When a player comes at speed and executes a forceful bump, and makes forceful impact with the head, the potential for serious injury is pronounced.”

End of the day Ben Long has been "clumsy" on approach to quite a few contests this year. Got to be a lot more careful. Nearly knocked out Dan Hannebery 5 minutes later as well.

— Darren Parkin (@Darren_Parkin) October 5, 2020

Ben Long is mighty unlucky

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) October 5, 2020

Ben Long got a game for that?!? You're kidding right?

— Cody Ellis (@codyellis24) October 5, 2020

READ MORE: Ryder ruled out after heartbreaking injury

In response, Jack Rush QC — who was representing St Kilda — pointed to the medical report, which showed Macrae did not require any further treatment or assessment by club doctors.

“There are some basic and fundamental facts which don’t require interpretation,” Rush said.

“However my learned friend Mr Gleeson tries to weave a way through the way impact is described … what we know, what is concrete — the medical report says there was no head injury.

“The player stayed on the ground. He continued to play. These things cannot be disputed.

“You are allowed to bump in this game, and as experienced members, the jury would understand how these things present over a very short period of time.

“This is a glancing impact, it’s a low contact, and the impact should be recategorised.”

Earlier this year, Long copped a three-match suspension after a bump on Sean Darcy left the Fremantle ruckman concussed.

He has played 45 games and kicked 21 goals since making his AFL debut in 2017.

The Age journalist Daniel Cherny tweeted: “Agree with the decision or not, Ben Long has to think about whether he should just abandon the bump. The Saints love his hardness but it has cost him four matches in a shortened season. Has history at lower levels too.”

St Kilda will take on the reigning premiers at Metricon Stadium on Friday evening for a spot in the preliminary finals. Paddy Ryder and Jake Carlisle will also be unavailable for the must-win fixture due to injury and family respectively.