Carlton defender Jordan Boyd will play against GWS after the Blues successfully appealed his penalty at a lengthy AFL tribunal hearing.
Following a two-hour deliberation, the tribunal panel downgraded Boyd’s forceful front-on contact charge from medium to low.
As a result, Boyd’s one-game suspension was converted to a fine, allowing him to play against the Giants.
Jordan Boyd has received a one-game suspension for this incident involving Rhyan Mansell.
Full Match Review findings: https://t.co/NQsLTLeOHv pic.twitter.com/tTzQcZ2SvO
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The tribunal determined that Boyd committed the offense when he collided with Richmond forward Rhyan Mansell during last Sunday’s game.
During the hearing, Carlton argued that Mansell had deliberately ducked to draw a free kick, which contributed to the incident. However, AFL advocate Sam Bird countered that this argument bordered on victim-blaming, a claim that Carlton’s representative Peter O’Farrell denied.
Tribunal chair Renee Enbom noted that Boyd had slowed down immediately before making contact with Mansell, which “significantly reduced” the impact.
“But for Mr. Boyd taking several steps immediately before contact to reduce the impact, we would have upheld the medium grading,” Enbom stated.
She added that Boyd attempted to cradle Mansell and prevent him from falling backward, actions that minimized the actual impact and potential for injury, leading to the low-impact finding.
Boyd did not testify during the nearly four-hour hearing.
The incident occurred in the last quarter of Carlton’s 61-point victory when Mansell, who had gathered the ball, ducked his head and moved toward Boyd, resulting in contact with Boyd’s stomach. Mansell received a free kick for high contact and continued to play out the game.
The incident was initially assessed as careless conduct, high contact, and medium impact. Boyd has participated in all 15 games this season.
Additionally, Gold Coast player Ben Long challenged his fine for striking with a written submission to the tribunal. Long was fined $3750 for striking Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard but could have accepted a $2500 penalty with an early plea.
