Southern Districts midfielder Kaines Stevens could miss out on the NTFL grand final after prelim-final charges
A Southern Districts import has been charged by the match review panel ahead of the all-important grand final. See all the tribunal decisions from the 2022-23 NTFL season.
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A big name Southern Districts player could miss out on the NTFL grand final after being charged for tripping an opposition player.
Former West Adelaide player Kaine Stevens made a huge impression in his return to the Crocs helping them pull off a dominant 14.9 (93) to 10.10 (70) win over the reigning premiers.
However, he was caught out by the umpires after he was spotted tripping Jacob Long of St Mary’s in the second quarter.
Stevens, who was judged the best player in the Sunraysia Football and Netball League 2022 season, was caught out for what the match review deemed a low level offence.
Tripping carries a one-match penalty which if it holds will see Stevens miss out on the NTFL grand final.
However, he is much more likely to make an early guilty plea, which will allow him to play in the big dance.
Meanwhile, in the women’s competition St Mary’s player Nikita Long was charged with intentionally kicking PINT midfielder Anna Traill.
The incident occurred in the second quarter of the prelim final face-off at which stage Saints were leading the contest.
It was classified as intentional conduct with low impact and body contact resulting in a one-match penalty.
However, Long can accept a reprimand if she makes an early guilty plea.
NTFL tribunal determine Waratah defender’s grand final chances
The tribunal has made a decision on whether a Waratah defender will be able to play in the NTFL grand final after he was given a significant charge in the semi-final.
Jack O’Sullivan was charged with bumping or making forceful front-on contact with Jack Sexton of Southern Districts during the major semi-final.
The match review panel initially deemed the fourth quarter incident as intentional conduct with medium impact and high contact.
The initial classification resulted in a three-match penalty with O’Sullivan able to accept a two-match sanction with an early guilty plea.
As Waratah beat the minor premiers 16.9 (105) to 7.7 (49) in the semi-final, any ban would have prevented O’Sullivan from playing in the grand final.
However, O’Sullivan chose to have the matter heard in front of the independent tribunal who upon viewing footage of the incident chose to reclassify the charge.
The bump was instead downgraded to careless conduct with low impact and body contact lowering the punishment to one-match.
The reduced sentence meant O’Sullivan could accept a reprimand with a guilty plea, allowing him to play in the big dance.
Meanwhile, St Mary’s forward Jack Landt can accept a slap on the wrist if he makes an early guilty plea for engaging in rough conduct against Nightcliff veteran Cam Ilett.
The incident happened in the third quarter and was deemed careless conduct with low impact and body contact resulting in a one-match penalty.
But a guilty plea will give him a reprimand and allow him to play in the prelim-final against Southern Districts, after Saints knocked out Tigers 13.8 (86) to 8.3 (51) in the minor semi-final.
It was for an incident post-match that Nightcliff defender Jonathan Peris caught the eye of the match review panel.
Peris was charged with using abusive language towards umpires resulting in a three-match penalty.
However, he took the matter before the tribunal who instead deemed the language as insulting, instead of abusive.
They instead downgraded the penalty to two-matches, with Peris accepting a one-match sanction with an early guilty plea.
St Mary’s duo cop charges after first week of finals
A pair of St Mary’s standouts have copped charges from their respective matches in the opening weekend of the NTFL finals.
Small forward Nick Yarran was charged for engaging in rough conduct against Waratah captain Brodie Carroll in the fourth quarter of their qualifying final.
The match review panel deemed the incident as careless conduct with low impact and body contact, resulting in a one-match penalty.
However, Yarran could instead make an early guilty plea and instead accept a reprimand.
This is the third time he has been charged by the match review panel since Round 16.
With a reprimand Yarran will be available to play in the knock-out semi-final against the Nightcliff Tigers.
Meanwhile, in the women’s premier league another Saints star, Jemma Iacono, was charged with striking Tah’s young gun Annabel Kievet.
The alleged strike came in the third quarter of the St Mary’s vs Waratah qualifying final which Waratah ended up winning 6.4 (40) to 4.5 (29).
The incident was classified as careless conduct with low impact and high contact resulting in a one-match penalty.
However, Iacono can accept a reprimand if she makes an early guilty plea.
Districts skipper to miss first finals match
Southern Districts skipper Dean Staunton will miss his side’s first finals match after copping a striking charge late in the 2022-23 NTFL season.
Staunton was charged with striking Bradley Stokes of the Darwin Buffaloes six minutes into the Round 18 clash at TIO Stadium.
The incident was originally deemed as intentional conduct with medium impact and high contact, which meant he could miss up to three matches.
With the league leaders missing the opening week of finals, Staunton could have missed the entirety of the finals series, even if he had accepted a two match ban with an early guilty plea.
Staunton instead took the matter to tribunal and successfully managed to have the classification brought down to low impact.
The reclassified charge also saw the overall penalty brought down to two matches, with Staunton making a guilty plea so he could accept a one match penalty instead.
The ban means he will miss the major semi-final against either St Mary’s or Waratah, but will be available for Districts next match whether that’s the grand final or prelim final.
It came as both clubs accepted fines for their players being involved in a melee in the second quarter of the TIO match, with imposts of $362.50 and $262.50 for Buffaloes and Districts respectively.
Staunton has also been charged with attempting to strike Stokes in the sixth minute mark at TIO.
A one-game penalty can be reduced to a reprimand with a guilty plea.
Staunton had until 9pm on February 21 if he wants to appeal either decision.
Staunton had been penalised for one game during the 2022-23 season, for rough conduct against PINT’s Leigh Peters in Round 8.
Meanwhile, Buffaloes forward Daniel Stafford and Steven Stokes can accepted reprimands with an early guilty plea for engaging in an act of misconduct in the second quarter of the same game.
Waratah’s Jake Bowd was reprimanded for headbutting, or making contact with another person with their head, in the fourth quarter of the match against Palmerston in Round 18.
He pleaded guilty.
Two clubs face fines for grand final rematch melee
A pair of finals-bound clubs are facing fines following a fiery Round 17 face-off, in which players from both sides were put on report.
Tensions were high throughout the grand final rematch between Waratah and St Mary’s, and those feelings finally boiled over at the toll of halftime when players from both sides engaged in a melee.
It was a turning point in the match which St Mary’s won 12.9 (81) to 12.8 (80), and a moment the match review panel took issue plenty of issue with.
Waratah were handed a $700 fine for their part, which can be reduced to $350 if they accept an early guilty plea.
St Mary’s didn’t escape without punishment as they were handed a $600 fine, which can be reduced to $300 with an early guilty plea.
Meanwhile, Saints’ small forward Nick Yarran was charged with striking Waratah vice-captain Will Collis in the first quarter of the encounter.
The incident was deemed careless conduct with low impact and high contact resulting in a one-match penalty.
Yarran can accept a reprimand if he makes an early guilty plea.
Waratah defender Dan O’Dwyer also found himself on the wrong side of the panel when he was charged with engaging in rough conduct against Mitch Musgrove.
His transgression was classified as careless conduct with medium impact and body contact.
O’Dwyer was handed a one-match penalty, but can accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Steve Kotz, a Waratah water runner, was caught out as well for engaging in an act of misconduct against Saints’ Matthew Green in the second quarter.
The match review panel found the incident to be a low level offence, resulting in a one-match penalty, which can be reduced to a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Saints pair facing stint on the sideline ahead of NTFL finals
St Mary’s could be missing two important players in the lead-up to finals after they ran afoul of the NTFL match review panel.
Star small forward and 2021-22 NT News Player of the Year Nick Yarran was charged with bumping or making forceful front on contact in his Round 16 match against Palmerston.
The bump came against Palmerston’s Tyson Todd while he had his head over the football.
The match review panel deemed the incident as intentional conduct with medium impact and high contact resulting in a three-match penalty.
Yarran can however accept a two match penalty if he makes an early guilty plea, which will make him available for the first week of the NTFL finals.
Meanwhile, Saints could also be without ruck option Braxton Ah Mat until the start of finals, after he too caught the umpires’ attention in Saints 20.16 (136) to 2.4 (16) win.
Ah Mat was charged with bumping or making forceful front-on contact with Palmerston’s Tyrel Corey while he had his head down over the football.
The incident occurred in the third quarter and was classified as careless conduct with medium impact and high contact, resulting in a two-match penalty.
Ah Mat, however, could make his return for Round 18 if he accepts just a one match penalty with an early guilty plea.
Both St Mary’s players have opted to have their charges heard by the independent tribunal.
Elsewhere, Tanner Coulthard of Darwin Buffaloes was charged with bumping or making forceful front-on contact with a Nightcliff player at Nightcliff Oval.
Coulthard has been an important link-up option this season, but could be out for up to three weeks after the incident was classed as intentional conduct with medium impact and high contact.
He can however make his return for what is still a potential finals series for the Buffaloes if he accepts a two match penalty with an early guilty plea.
Decision made on Eagles’ ban, while Buffalo reprimanded
A key Wanderers forward option faced three weeks on the sideline after bumping his opposition, while a Buffaloes standout has been reprimanded for making contact with an umpire.
Wanderers’ Keelan Fejo was charged with bumping or making forceful contact with Waratah’s Jayden Magro while the Tah had his head over the ball.
The incident took place in the fourth quarter of the match at Tracy Village Oval on January 28.
The match review panel viewed the incident as intentional conduct with medium impact and high contact, resulting in a three-match penalty.
Fejo could have accepted a two-match penalty with an early guilty plea but instead opted to have his case heard by the independent tribunal, which met Wednesday night.
It was there he was cleared on all charges and found not guilty, meaning he can return to play against Tiwi.
It was an added insult to the Eagles, who are in eighth and lost the match against Waratah 12.14 (86) to 6.7 (43).
Meanwhile, Tim Eldridge of the Darwin Buffaloes has been charged with carelessly making contact with an umpire in his match against PINT.
The incident occurred as Eldridge competed for the ball against his Greenant opposition.
PINT went on to beat the Buffaloes 10.14 (74) to 8.8 (56).
The match review panel considered the fourth-quarter incident a low-level offence, resulting in a one-match ban.
However, Eldridge instead accepted a reprimand for the clash, meaning he can return to the field against Nightcliff in round 16.
Greenant could be sidelined for ‘careless’ bump on Eagle
The Greenants could be without one of its most consistent contributors this season in Round 15 after a “careless” bump on an opposition player.
Sixth-placed PINT take on Darwin Buffaloes next round at TIO Stadium as it faces a tough challenge making the top five in its first season in Men’s Premier League.
Andrew Jones, who has played 11 matches for PINT in MPL in 2022-23, has been charged with bumping or making forceful contact to Nathan Arbon while he had his head down over the football in the fourth quarter of their Round 14 match at TIO.
Based on the available evidence, the match review panel classified the act as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, resulting in a two-match penalty.
However, Jones can accept a one-game penalty with an early guilty plea.
Meanwhile, PINT’s Jake Wood can accept a reprimand with an early guilty for rough conduct against Jobastin Priest in the first quarter of the game.
It was deemed as careless conduct, low impact and high contact, resulting in a one-game penalty.
Both have until 9pm on Tuesday night to enter a plea or lodge an appeal.
PINT’s Elliot Chalmers successfully challenges charge
The Greenants’ final aspirations have received a boost with key midfielder Elliot Chalmers successfully challenging a two-match penalty for using abusive language to an umpire.
Chalmers received a reprimand for using abusive, insulting or obscene language in the fourth quarter of the game against Waratah on January 7.
The PINT player was initially facing a two-game penalty after the league’s match review panel classified the action as low, insulting language towards an umpire.
However, upon an appeal, and the league’s tribunal reviewing the evidence, it amended the charge to using abusive, insulting or obscene language to a person, reducing the penalty by one game.
Chalmers received a reprimand after pleading guilty.
Mitch Robinson charged with making an obscene gesture
A former AFL star could spend some time on the sidelines after picking up a charge, while two clubs have been fined for melees for the second time in as many rounds.
Darwin Buffaloes standout Mitch Robinson caught the ire of the match review panel after using an obscene gesture during the third quarter of his Round 13 match against St Mary’s.
The former Brisbane and Carlton player’s offence was classified as low level and resulted in a one week penalty.
However, Robinson, who has been among Buffs best players in the 2022-23 NTFL season, can instead accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
It was one of many charges handed out in a fiery encounter between old rivals St Mary’s and Darwin Buffaloes with Saints’ Jack Landt also charged.
Landt was charged with rough conduct against the aforementioned Robinson during the fourth quarter, with the incident deemed as intentional conduct with low impact and high contact.
The offence resulted in a two match penalty, down to one with an early guilty plea.
Both clubs involved in the match also face fines after a melee broke out in the fourth quarter.
Buffaloes can accept a fine of $500, reduced to $250 with an early guilty plea, while St Mary’s can accept a $600 fine, down to $300 if they make a plea.
Meanwhile, Leigh Williams of Southern Districts has been charged with engaging in rough conduct against Palmerston defender Andrew Green in the third quarter at Cazalys Arena.
The incident has been classified as intentional conduct with low impact and body contact, resulting in a one match penalty.
Williams, who scored four goals against the Magpies, can accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Jack O’Sullivan of Waratah was also found to be on the wrong side of the rule book’ charged with striking Kyle Winter-Irving of PINT.
O’Sullivan’s offence was classified as intentional conduct with low impact and high contact resulting in a two match penalty, down to one with an early guilty plea.
PINT didn’t escape sanctions themselves with Elliott Chalmers charged with using abusive, insulting or obscene language towards an umpire.
The offence resulted in a two match penalty, which Chalmers can reduce to one match with an early guilty plea.
Six football clubs fined for melees in Round 12
Six clubs have been fined for their involvement in melees and two players charged for misconduct during the No More Round in Men’s Premier League football.
Despite it being a round where clubs and players take a stand against violence, Waratah and Southern Districts, Tiwi Bombers and Darwin Buffaloes, and St Mary’s and PINT were cited by the league’s match review panel following their matches.
Tahs and Crocs can accept a $65 penalty with an early guilty plea while the Bombers and Buffaloes would cough up $112.50 and $62.50 respectively with a similar plea.
The Saints and Greenants can also accept a $350 fine each with an early guilty plea.
Meanwhile, PINT’s Damian McMahon and Jye Hartung have been charged with misconduct in the third quarter of the game against St Mary’s at TIO Stadium.
Both were classified as low level offences, reduced to a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Meanwhile, Waratah’s Timothy Kerinaiua of Waratah Football Club has been charged with using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards or in relation to an umpire in the fourth quarter of the game against Crocs, and can accept a two-game ban.
Districts ruckman Matthew Dennis can also accept a reprimand for striking Jayden Magro in the third term at Gardens Oval.
The action was classified as careless conduct, low impact and high contact.
Tiwi Bomber Brayden Rioli can also accept a reprimand for the use of an obscene gesture in the fourth quarter of the match against Buffaloes at TIO Stadium.
All clubs had until 9pm on Tuesday night to enter a guilty plea or lodge an appeal with the independent tribunal.
Nightcliff and Waratah fined for melee
Nightcliff’s disappointing season has now come with a financial cost, albeit a small one.
Both the Tigers and Waratah can halve a $175 fine with guilty pleas for a melee in the third quarter of their Round 11 Men’s Premier League clash at Gardens Oval.
Meanwhile, Tah player Joel Stevens can accept a one-game penalty, for striking star Tiger Daniel Bowles, with a guilty plea.
The league’s match review panel classified the action as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact.
Darwin Buffaloes player Jenaya Yarran has also been charged with behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an umpire in the fourth quarter of the Women’s Division 1 match against PINT on December 7.
The panel classified the behaviour as low, abusive/obscene language worthy of a two game ban with an early guilty plea.
Both players have until 9pm on Tuesday night to plead guilty or lodge an appeal with the independent tribunal.
Two NTFL players looking at further suspensions
Two NTFL players could be suspended for the second time in a month.
Palmerston’s Jonathon Farrar will front the independent tribunal for using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language during the three-quarter time break against PINT in Round 10 at DXC Arena.
It comes after Farrar was suspended for a match for head butting or making contact with Darwin Buffaloes’ John Vrodos, and making unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an umpire, in Round 6 of the Men’s Premier League.
Farrar can accept a one-game penalty from the match review panel with an early guilty plea for the charge deemed as an “auditory offence”.
Meanwhile, Waratah’s Kieren Andrew can accept a one-match penalty with an early guilty plea for intentionally bumping or making forceful contact to Liam Whelan from Darwin Buffaloes when he had his head over the ball at TIO Stadium.
It was classified as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact by the panel.
Andrew was suspended for a match after appealing a charge of bumping or making forceful contact with Tiwi Bomber Roy Farmer, while he had his head over the ball, in Round 6 at Gardens Oval.
Meanwhile, David Kruse is the fourth Tiwi Bomber to be charged this season after allegedly striking Brandyn Grenfell in the third quarter of the Round 10 game at TIO Stadium
It was deemed as intentional conduct, low impact and body contact.
However, Kruse can accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Waratah’s Kierra Zerafa can also accept a one-match penalty with an early guilty plea for intentionally bumping or making forceful contact to Darwin Buffaloes’ Sarah Perkins when she had her head over the ball during a Women’s Premier League fixture at TIO Stadium.
It was assessed as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.
Clubs have until 9pm on Tuesday to make an early guilty plea lodge an appeal.
Palmerston player charged again
Palmerston’s Will Farrer has been charged for the second time in just three rounds.
The multiple Dennis Dunn trophy winner engaged in rough conduct against St Mary’s defender Luke Oborn in the second quarter at TIO Stadium on Friday night.
The action was classified by the league’s match review panel as intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact, resulting in a two-match penalty.
However, Farrer can accept a one-game ban with an early guilty plea.
He accepted a reprimand for striking Aaron Stokes in the second quarter in the match against Darwin Buffaloes in Round 6.
Meanwhile, Southern Districts captain Dean Staunton can accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea for also engaging in rough conduct, against PINT’s Leigh Peters, at TIO Stadium on Saturday.
It was deemed intentional conduct, low impact and body contact, resulting in a one-match ban.
Both players have until 9pm on Tuesday night to plead guilty or lodge an appeal.
Tiwi Bomber suspended for five weeks
Tiwi Bombers star Sam Darley has been suspended for five weeks for striking Southern Districts’ Jake McQueen in Round 7.
The former AFL player with GWS Giants and the Western Bulldogs faced the league’s independent tribunal on Wednesday night.
Darley struck McQueen early in the second quarter at Stanley Tipiloura Oval on Saturday in the clash between the Bombers and Crocs.
The league’s match review panel classified the action as intentional conduct, high impact and severe contact, which was reiterated by the independent tribunal, handing him a five-match ban.
It is the fourth suspension the club has received after Darley was rubbed out for a week for striking in Round 3.
Bomber players Dion Munkara (three weeks) and Tristan Singh-Lippo (two weeks) have also been suspended so far this year, for striking and rough conduct respectively.
Meanwhile, Darwin Buffaloes’ Tiana Russell was banned for one game for serious misconduct in the first quarter of the Round 6, Division 1 match against PINT, after the matter was also immediately referred to the independent tribunal.
Both clubs have until 5pm on Friday to lodge an appeal.
Two ex-AFL players facing suspension
Two former AFL guns could be out of the next round of the NTFL after picking up charges in their Round 7 encounters.
Sam Darley, of the Tiwi Bombers, was caught out after striking star Districts midfielder Jake McQueen, who was unable to return to the field following the knock.
The first quarter incident was classified as careless conduct with high impact and severe contact, and was referred directly to the tribunal.
It is the second time the former GWS and Bulldogs player has been charged this season, after he was charged with striking Darwin Buffaloes’ defender Hayden Brown in Round 3.
Southern Districts ended up winning the match at Wurrumiyanga Oval 20.9 (129) to 13.10 (88).
He wasn’t the only former AFL player to be charged in the NTFL over the weekend, as former Port Adelaide hard nut Hamish Hartlett ran afoul of the umpires in the third quarter.
Hartlett, playing in his NTFL debut for the Nightcliff Tigers, was charged with rough conduct against St Mary’s standout Jacob Long at Nightcliff Oval.
The incident was deemed careless conduct, with low impact and body contact resulting in a one match penalty.
He can, however, accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
St Mary’s beat the host side 9.8 (62) to 7.18 (60).
Over in premier reserves, Jhye Hartung of St Mary’s was hit with a charge for charging an opponent in the fourth quarter against Nightcliff.
The incident was classified as intentional conduct, with low impact and body contact, resulting in a one match penalty.
Hartung can accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Also in premier reserves Darwin Buffaloes’ player Liam McDonald has been charged with striking in the third quarter against PINT.
The match review panel classed the incident as intentional conduct with low impact and high contact, resulting in a two match penalty.
McDonald can accept a one match penalty with an early guilty plea.
Magpie and Buffalo appeal bans
Two Men’s Premier League players could appeal their penalties despite pleading guilty to their respective charges.
Darwin Buffalo John Vrodos was handed a two-match penalty after pleading guilty to intentionally bumping or making forceful contact to Palmerston’s Josiah Farrer in the third quarter of the Round 6 match at TIO Stadium.
His initial charge was amended to careless conduct, high impact and high contact, reducing it to a three-game penalty, after footage was reviewed and evidence considered by the league’s independent tribunal on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Palmerston’s Jonathon Farrar pleaded guilty to making unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an umpire in the third quarter and received a reprimand.
However, he received a two-match penalty, with one game suspended, for headbutting or making contact with Vrodos with his head.
The charge remained classified as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact.
An AFLNT spokeswoman clarified any player that appears before the tribunal has the right to appeal regardless of their plea.
Waratah’s Kieren Andrew was banned for one game for bumping or making “front on” forceful contact with Roy Farmer, when he had his head down over the football, in the first quarter of the match at Gardens Oval.
After reviewing the footage and evidence considered, the tribunal amended the charge to careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.
Andrew did not enter a plea.
Tiwi Bombers and Waratah fined for melee
Both Tiwi Bombers and Waratah have copped fines for their players engaging in a melee in the second quarter of the match at Gardens Oval.
It comes as six players have been charged following Round 6 of Men’s Premier League, with Palmerston’s Jonathon Farrar charged with making unreasonable or unnecessary contact with an umpire in the third quarter of the match against Darwin Buffaloes at TIO Stadium.
The Bombers and the Tahs have been stung $375 and $425 respectively, which can be reduced to $187.50 and $212.50 with early guilty pleas, the league’s match review panel has found.
Both clubs have until 9pm on Tuesday to accept the penalties or lodge an appeal with the independent tribunal.
Meanwhile, three players have been charged with various offences following the Gardens Oval clash.
Waratah’s Edward Morris can accept a reprimand with a guilty plea to tripping Harley Bennell in the third quarter.
Fellow Tah Kieren Andrew has been offered a two-match ban with an early guilty plea for bumping or making forceful contact with an opponent from front-on when Roy Farmer had his head down or over the ball in the first quarter.
Bomber Jeffrey Simon was also charged with striking Dylan Collis in the second quarter and can receive a one-game ban with an early guilty plea.
Meanwhile, Jonathon Farrar has been charged with headbutting or making contact with John Vrodos of the Buffaloes in the third quarter.
Farrar can accept a two-match penalty with an early guilty plea for both charges.
Palmerston’s Will Farrer can accept a reprimand for striking Aaron Stokes in the second quarter.
Vrodos can accept a three-match penalty with an early guilty plea for intentionally bumping or making forceful contact to Josiah Farrer from front on when he had his head over the ball in the third quarter.
Police probe women’s footy headbutt
Police are investigating an on-field incident during a Women’s Premier League match where a Nightcliff player was headbutted.
Waratah’s Naomi Celebre has already received a three-match ban for headbutting Hannah Turnbull in the first quarter of the Round 5 match on October 29.
Celebre has also played VFLW with Darebin Falcons.
When asked if NT Police were investigating the incident, a police spokesman said a report of an alleged assault during a football game at Nightcliff Oval was received at 4.45pm.
The spokesman said investigations were ongoing into the incident.
Earlier last week, AFLNT’s match review panel had deemed the action a headbutt or making contact with another person with their head.
It was deemed intentional conduct, high impact and high contact, resulting in a four-match penalty.
However, Celebre accepted a three-match ban with an early guilty plea.
AFLNT has been contacted for comment.
Waratah defender Daniel O’Dwyer free to play
A key Waratah defender could now be free to play this weekend after an initial charge of intentionally bumping Nightcliff’s Brodie Filo was downgraded.
Daniel O’Dwyer was initially facing a two-game break if he pleaded guilty to making forceful contact to Filo, when he had his head over the football, during the first quarter of the game at Nightcliff in Round 5 on Saturday.
The league’s match review panel deemed the action was intentional conduct, medium impact and high contact, resulting in a three-game penalty, reduced to two matches with an early guilty plea.
O’Dwyer is one of the premier defenders in the league.
However, after reviewing the footage and considering further evidence, the independent AFLNT reporting officer amended the charge to rough conduct.
It was classified as intentional conduct, low impact and body contact, resulting in a one-match penalty, following approval from the match review panel.
O’Dwyer can receive a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Two Tahs set for stints on the sidelines
Waratah could be without one of their key defenders against a resurgent Tiwi Bombers.
Tahs back Daniel O’Dwyer has been charged with intentionally bumping or making forceful contact to Brodie Filo last Saturday in the first quarter against Nightcliff.
O’Dwyer reportedly committed the offence from “front on” while Filo had his head over the ball.
The league’s match review panel found O’Dwyer’s actions should be classified as intentional conduct, medium impact and high contact, resulting in a three-match penalty.
However, he can receive a two-game penalty with an early guilty plea.
O’Dwyer is regarded as one of the premier defenders in the NTFL.
The Tahs face the Bombers, who won their first game since February, 2020 last Saturday, at Gardens Oval and then Wanderers the following week, who boast the league’s fourth best goalkicker in Steven Motlop (10 majors).
Meanwhile, Waratah’s Naomi Celebre has been charged with headbutting or making contact with Nightcliff’s in the first quarter last weekend.
It was deemed as intentional conduct, high impact and high contact, resulting in a four-match penalty.
However, she can accept a three-match penalty with an early guilty plea.
Both players have until 9pm tonight to make an early plea or lodge an appeal to have their matters heard by an independent tribunal.
Tiwi Bombers poised to lose another key player
The Tiwi Bombers could be down a third man in as many weeks after former AFL player and first-gamer Sam Darley was charged with striking against Buffaloes on Saturday.
The Bombers have already lost Dion Munkara (striking) and Tristan Singh-Lippo (rough conduct) to suspension over the first two rounds, with both due to return in Round 5 against a buoyant PINT.
It will be Tiwi’s first home game in the 2022-23 season as they chase their first win for the season, and in Men’s Premier League since February 15, 2020.
Darley was charged with striking Buffs player Hayden Brown in the third quarter of the match at TIO Stadium.
The league’s match review panel deemed the action intentional conduct, low impact and high contact, worthy of a two-match suspension.
However, Darley can receive a one-game penalty if he pleads guilty.
Meanwhile, St Mary’s forward Joseph Salmon can accept a reprimand following a charge for striking Leigh Peters in the match against PINT at DXC Arena.
The panel deemed the action intentional conduct, low impact and body contact, deserving of a one-match penalty.
However, he can accept a reprimand with an early guilty plea.
Palmerston’s Rhai-Arn Cox can also accept a reprimand for striking in the match against Nightcliff at Cazalys Arena, with an early guilty plea.
The panel found the act was intentional conduct, low impact and body contact, deserving of a one-match penalty.
All players have until 9pm on Tuesday night to accept their charges or lodge an appeal, which would be heard by an independent tribunal on Wednesday.
Tiwi Bomber charged with rough conduct
Tiwi Bomber Tristan Singh-Lippo could be joining his teammate Dion Munkara on the sidelines for a few weeks.
Singh-Lippo was charged by the league’s match review panel with rough conduct during the fourth quarter against St Mary’s player Mitch Musgrove at Gardens Oval on Saturday.
It comes as Munkara was sidelined for three weeks after pleading guilty to a striking charge from Round 1.
However, Singh-Lippo can accept a two-match ban with an early guilty plea.
The act was classified as intentional conduct, medium impact and high contact, resulting in a three-match penalty.
Meanwhile, Palmerston’s John Harvey can accept a reprimand for using an obscene gesture in the third quarter of the match against PINT at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.
The panel classified the action as a low level offence, resulting in a one-week sanction.
Both players have until 9pm tonight to accept the early plea or lodge an appeal to be heard by the independent tribunal on Wednesday night.
Dion Munkara charged for striking
Tiwi Bombers could be without one of their most prolific players for four weeks after he was charged with striking following his side’s Round 1 NTFL encounter with the Palmerston Magpies.
Tiwi standout Dion Munkara was the only charge in the Men’s Premier League after allegedly striking Magpies’ Clarence Baird in the third quarter at TIO Stadium.
The match review panel classified the incident as intentional conduct with high impact and high contact.
As a result the penalty given was four matches, meaning Munkara could be sitting on the sidelines until Round 6.
However, he can instead accept a three-match penalty if he chooses to make an early guilty plea.
Munkara has been a key part of the Bombers’ line-up for some time with his tendency to rack up high numbers of disposals and kick a goal or two.
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