AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has revealed the league’s lawyers are looking into appealing GWS star Toby Greene’s three-week ban, with the CEO confirming he hoped for harsher punishment.
The three-match suspension means Greene will miss Friday’s knockout semi-final against Geelong, as well as his side’s potential preliminary final and grand final fixtures after it was deemed he made intentional contact with an umpire
McLachlan took time away from addressing the decision to award Perth this season’s AFL grand final when questioned on Greene’s verdict.
“If I’m honest, personally, I find it hard to reconcile how it can be intentional conduct that was aggressive, demonstrative and disrespectful, and I think it was found to be all of those things and then only be three weeks,” McLachlan said.
“We asked for six. These are the facts.
“I’m finding that personally hard to reconcile how it can only be three weeks.
“As the CEO of the league, I’m saying to community leagues and others that I find that decision perplexing.”
McLachlan was asked if he would appeal the decision, replying that he had spoken to the league’s lawyers.
“I’ve spoken to the lawyers about our appeal rights,” he said.
“They’re looking at that at the moment.”
During today’s marathon hearing, which lasted more than four hours, the AFL argued for a suspension of no less than six games, while Greene’s legal team called for a fine of $20,000-$25,000 and no ban.
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