Holman penalty lacks nuance as tackling put on death row

Gold Coast player Nick Holman executed the perfect tackle yet finds himself at the centre of a storm as an AFL great raises concerns about what it means for the fabric of footy.

Gold Coast’s Nick Holman is challenging a two-week suspension for this tackle that left Geelong’s Mitch Duncan concussed. Picture: AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

It was the perfect tackle that has created a storm of criticism and raised concerns about the fabric of the game.

When Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew reviews the loss to Geelong on Saturday, he will be able to point to the desperation shown by Nick Holman as an example of what the struggling Suns must do to succeed.

The 25-year-old’s effort to run down Geelong star Mitch Duncan on the wing at GMHBA Stadium earned a holding the ball free kick.

Given the shellacking they received a week earlier from Brisbane, Holman’s desire was commendable.

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But it also earned him a two-week suspension, a visit to the tribunal to challenge that ban and centre stage in a debate about whether the tackle might be dead.

The reason? The momentum the Suns player had gathered over several metres while pursuing his rival propelled Duncan forward, with the Cats star subsequently concussed when he thumped his head into the ground.

Match Review Officer Michael Christian interpreted the guidelines strictly when delivering the two-week ban, which the Suns are challenging.

In a game where interpretation of the rules prompts weekly debate, the lack of nuance used in this instance has caused consternation and confusion.

A cynic might contend the AFL highlights a contentious incident every week to ensure commentary about the game, positive or negative, receives a prod.

Last week the discussion was about the incidental bump laid by Tarryn Thomas on Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath, which resulted in an initial suspension for the young Kangaroos midfielder, who was subsequently cleared at the tribunal.

Certainly the outrage industry was in full swing from Sunday night after it became clear Holman could miss matches against Hawthorn and Fremantle either side of the Gold Coast’s bye in round 12.

This is ridiculous! A chase down tackle and Nick Holman @GoldCoastSUNS is suspended for 2 weeks. What’s the game coming to?! @AFLpic.twitter.com/7vOe7mER3n

— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) May 23, 2021

The league’s determination to protect the head, given the increasing awareness about the impact of concussion, has been celebrated and rightly so.

For the most part, players have adjusted accordingly. Despite concerns about the future of the bump, it is clear there is still room for it if well executed.

But accidents are going to happen.

In this instance, Holman has clearly been penalised for the impact, not the intent. It is hard to imagine how else he could have executed the tackle. Duncan even had an arm free.

As Brisbane hardman Mitch Robinson posted on Monday, the penalty levied was unacceptable.

“Surely we aren’t going to accept Nick Holman’s tackle as a two week ban?” he wrote.

“That is a perfect chase from behind tackle. Nothing ill towards his actions at all! Duncan was concussed. That’s unfortunate but it’s a risk we take playing a contact sport.”

Melbourne great Garry Lyon was among those stunned by the decision to penalise Holman.

“I think if it stands, then tackling is nearly dead,” he said on SEN.

“He chased him down, as we want him to. He’s tackled him from behind. Mitch still had an arm free. There was no two movements. There was no vicious intent.

“We are as on board with head incidents as anyone in this game. But you know what? You can’t legislate the hitting of the head out of the game completely.”

An argument can be made that the system is working giving Holman and the Suns can challenge the penalty. Whether it should have been cited in the first place? The tribunal hearing will make for interesting listening.

It is shaping as a busy week for the AFL Tribunal. Carlton will also challenge a two-week suspension handed to Lachie Plowman for a collision with Hawthorn’s Jaeger O’Meara.

Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd also cited the “fabric of our game” when pointing out the defender had his eyes on the football at all times.

“Lachie’s sole intent was to contest the football, which he rightfully did in a fair and reasonable manner when he arrived at the point of impact, incidentally at the same time as his opponent,” he said.

“Lachie’s eyes remained on the football the entire time and his intention was to spoil the football and any such collision was simply unavoidable, we believe there are sufficient grounds to contest the charge at the tribunal.”

Richmond will also challenge a one-match ban handed to premiership star Marlion Pickett for striking Lions defender Brandon Starcevich.

Pickett drew the ire of Lions players and fans for the incident, but although careless, he appeared to make contact to the upper region of Starcevich’s chest with an open arm.

Surely we aren't going to accept Nick Holman's tackle as a two week ban? That is a perfect chase from behind tackle, nothing ill towards his actions at all! Duncan was concussed, that's unfortunate but it's a risk we take playing a contact sport.

— Robbo Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) May 23, 2021