Opinion: Sicily and Mansell banned, Butler exonerated after AFL Tribunal hearing

Hawthorn’s James Sicily and Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell suspended for three matches, while St Kilda’s Dan Butler cleared after Tuesday’s AFL tribunal sitting

Overview

The AFL tribunal recently suspended James Sicily, the captain of Hawthorn’s team, along with Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell for three matches each due to dangerous tackles. Dan Butler of St Kilda, on the other hand, had his case overturned successfully and had his one-match ban dismissed. The AFL imposed a penalty on Sicily after his rough tackle on Hugh McCluggage of Lions’ midfielder during the weekend match, leading to him being subbed out of the game with concussion. Despite arguments from the Hawthorn Club that Sicily‘s tackle was due to a lack of control over the fight’s outcome, the AFL tribunal went on to uphold his charge for rough conduct. Rhyan Mansell of Richmond also earned a three-match ban after bumping into Fremantle’s James Aish, while the AFL dismissed Dan Butler‘s initial one-match ban.

Philosophical Discussion

Dangerous tackles are not new in professional AFL. Players are often seen performing risky moves, and the consequences can be severe. The AFL tribunal‘s recent decisions to suspend Sicily and Mansell for their dangerous tackles sent a strong message to all players that dangerous tackles are not acceptable in the sport. AFL is one of the games that require a lot of skills and technique, as well as care and safety considerations by both players and coaches.

Therefore, it is critical that all players be aware that they have a fundamental duty of care to their opponents. They should avoid making instinctive or aggressive moves that may lead to injury. Furthermore, players should try to play within the game’s rules to avoid sanctions and subsequent penalties.

Editorial

The recent tribunal decisions demonstrate once again that the AFL and its authorities take players’ safety and adherence to the game’s regulations very seriously. AFL players should realise that, as professional athletes in a competitive sport, they have a responsibility to play the game with the highest possible standards of skill and sportsmanship, as well as with appropriate care and respect for their fellow players.

Furthermore, the AFL has a responsibility to ensure that its regulations are stringent enough to maintain the safety and wellbeing of the players. However, it is also important to note that the AFL tribunal‘s decisions must be transparent and fair, viewing and analysing each case on its merits. As such, the AFL must maintain a balance between promoting safety and wellbeing and ensuring that the tribunal proceedings remain robust and fair.

Advice

Players and coaches must always be aware that the way they tackle, bump, or engage with their opponents impacts not only the outcome of the game but also the wellbeing of their opponent. AFL players need to play the sport responsibly instead of giving in to the passion of the game, specifically tackling their opponents, to avoid detrimental actions that could result in fines or sanctions.

Furthermore, players should conduct themselves professionally on and off the ground, adhering to the AFL‘s regulations and guidelines to maintain the spirit of the game as well as ensure their opponents’ safety. Finally, AFL and the tribunal must ensure a fair and transparent review process that considers all angles of the games’ outcomes and reinstalls confidence in the tribunal‘s review method among them.