Claremont coach opens up about his players response to a four-week suspension

A Claremont senior player has been handed down a four-week suspension for striking and umpire abuse as his coach credits his response to the incident. Plus an SFL star has been banned after the rep clash.

Claremont coach Nathan Senior insists his side’s on-field behaviour is on the right track despite one of his senior players receiving a four-week suspension.

Zane Geason was given a four-week suspension following the SFL Community League game against Dodges Ferry last Saturday.

Geason was handed three games for striking and a further week for abusing an umpire as Senior declared the club would not stand for the behaviour.

“We don’t want to be known for that type of thing and it is something I have pushed to stop this season,” Senior said.

Claremont Magpies coach Nathan Senior said his side won’t be known for that. Picture: Jacob Doole

“Zane is a really good kid, he plays on the edge, he made a mistake and he has acknowledged that.

“He went and had a shower, came back, went and apologised to Dodges coaches, the kid he hit and then after the game we were sitting in the rooms and he said to the playing group how sorry he was.

“I think that just goes to show the character of the person, he made a mistake, he knows that, he knows he has let himself and his teammates down but he will be around the club the next few weeks helping out where he can.”

The Magpies have a massive opportunity to claim its first win this weekend when they take on New Norfolk.

“I have seen so much growth in our group from our first week and the club can see it as well,” Senior said.

“We have young men leading young men this year, they are all getting around each other and making sure that connection stays around the club.

“They all come back to the club after games, get around the functions, have some beers together and enjoy each other’s company.”

Andrew Phillips will miss this weeks game against Clarence but will be available for selection for the state game against Queensland in July. Picture Solstice Digital

Lauderdale big man Andrew Phillips has also been suspended for one week on a striking charge in the SFL’s representative game against the NTFA.

Phillips will miss the important clash with Clarence on Saturday as the Bombers look to go two games clear on top.

Lauderdale coach Brett Dolliver said challenging the ban could have resulted in a two-game ban.

“We took the guilty plea for one week instead of challenging it and risking getting two weeks and he misses the rep game next week,” he said.