Sam Switkowski of Fremantle has received a two-match ban after pleading guilty to serious misconduct in AFL Court for his “chicken wing” against Jack Ginnivan of Collingwood.
Switkwoski tackled Ginnivan in the fourth quarter of Fremantle’s 36-point loss to Collingwood before hitting his arm and appearing to throw it.
The party’s review officer accused Switkowski of “grave misconduct,” which is classified as a direct referral to court: Switkowski pleaded guilty to the charge.
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The AFL pushed for a two-match sanction as a “starting point”, while Fremantle called for a major fine given the guilty plea, his character history and two references to brilliant characters.
After deliberating for 20 minutes, the Court imposed a two-party sanction.
The Court noted that the sanction would have been harsher had it not been for the conviction.
“We believe that the way in which Switkowski maneuvered Ginnivan’s arm … was intentional, unsportsmanlike and dangerous,” said Court President Jeff Gleeson.
“It clearly had the potential to cause serious injuries and injuries … it was amazing that no injuries were reported.
“This was not just an act of misconduct, but it was admitted to be a serious act of misconduct. In our view, the appropriate sanction is a two-week suspension.
“In the absence of a global conviction, the penalty would have been higher.”
The court also noted that a brilliant reference to the character of football chief Peter Bell helped in Switkowski’s case.
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