IRYMPLE and Ouyen United will head to the SFNL tribunal hoping to clear key players ahead of the weekend’s start to the finals.
Justin Robinson, who has averaged almost a goal a game in his 16 matches in his first season for Irymple, will a challenge a two-match penalty for intentionally striking an opposition player.
While boundary umpire Andrew Baker did not note which player Robinson had allegedly struck, the forward was sent off late in the Swallows’ 88-point win over Red Cliffs.
Robinson has switched from half forward to half back this season and given Irymple an extra option in defence. His absence will be a blow to Irymple who hope to return to their fourth straight SFNL grand final with a win against Wentworth.
Ouyen United’s Oscar Smith’s finals could be cut short after field umpire Marcus Parker reported him for engaging in rough conduct with Mildura’s Samuel Gorman in the Kangas’ 44-point win.
Smith was offered a two-match penalty but requested the matter be heard before the tribunal to clear his name and play this weekend in the first semi final against Robinvale Euston.
Smith, who has emerged in the Kangas senior squad in the past year alongside Heath Smith, has appeared in six senior matches since making his debut in round 8.
It may be a busy night for the tribunal, as another four players face penalties for striking offences.
Red Cliffs’ Jay Turlan, Joseph Zappia from South Mildura, and Merbein’s Harley Cole have opted not to accept one-match bans and have requested to hear their matters at the tribunal.
Mildura’s Max Curran faces a nervous wait as he waits to hear if he will be cleared of a two-match penalty to play in the Under-18s semi-final against South Mildura.
Curran was reported by field umpire Ross Huxtable and goal umpire Pat Piscitelli for intentionally striking Ouyen United’s Caleb Farnsworth in the third quarter of the Demons’ 153-point win.
While Mildura’s senior team has struggled to put consistent form together, the Under-18s team is aiming to win its fourth consecutive title.
Sunraysia Daily understands that while not all cases may be heard this Wednesday evening at 6pm, the cases of all finals-bound players will be dealt with.
