Geelong Advertiser |
ST Mary’s star Kane Tenace has become the first high-profile player to be charged by AFL Barwon’s match review panel.
Tenace will front the AFL Barwon tribunal tonight after a video review of St Mary’s win over St Albans spotted an incident with Danny Nicholls during the fourth quarter at Kardinia Park.
He was charged on Tuesday with throwing or pushing another player after that player has taken a mark, disposed of the football or after the football is otherwise out of play.
St Mary’s football manager Scott Hosking declined to comment on Tenace’s report.
The Saints have made a strong start to the season, winning three out of their opening four matches, including upsets against Colac and South Barwon.
They are one of five clubs tied at the top of the ladder on 12 points.
Tenace has been a key part of the Saints’ resurgence to a GFL premiership contender, earning best on ground honours in two of his matches.
The speedster joined St Mary’s this season after a 54-game career with Geelong and a stint with SANFL side Glenelg.
Wednesday night’s hearing comes after Newtown & Chilwell advocate and treasurer Peter Landers slammed the AFL Barwon tribunal for a four-game ban handed to ruckman Renn Bogan on Monday night.
“It’s a shame our players have to wear shorts. They should be wearing dresses,” Landers said after Bogan was found guilty of making front on contact with Grovedale’s Ryan McKenzie.
It’s been a controversial first season for the match review panel.
The first case failed after Leopold’s Tom Ruggles’ striking charge was thrown out on a technicality.
Leopold advocate David Dowd successfully argued any alleged strike by Ruggles occurred before the incident the panel was asked to review.
Forms submitted to the match review panel asked them to investigate a melee between Leopold and Bell Park during the first quarter of the Round 1 game.
However, footage shown to the tribunal showed Ruggles and Dragon Aaron Hutchinson clash before the scuffle between the two teams on the outer wing at Hamlyn Park.
The technicality left the tribunal panel of Rob Sodomaco, Geoff Stribley and chairman Phil Swindells with no option but to dismiss the charge.
The competition’s clubs have thrown their support behind the match review system despite its early teething problems.
