Border Mail |
AN untarnished tribunal record helped save Yarrawonga star Brad O’Connor from suspension last night.
O’Connor is free to play in Saturday’s blockbuster against Lavington after he was issued with a reprimand for striking Myrtleford’s Hayden Murray during last Saturday’s 101-point win over the Saints.
The key forward, who had never been reported, let alone suspended, in his career prior to Saturday’s incident, pleaded guilty to the charge but the tribunal refrained from delivering a ban.
The panel — chaired by David Iverson — deemed the force used by O’Connor as insufficient to warrant a suspension.
O’Connor’s impeccable record, which contained a glowing reference from former club Robinvale, also helped his cause.
The Sunraysia league club described O’Connor as an “exemplary” figure at the club during his time and they couldn’t fault his conduct.
Last night’s verdict was a timely boost for the Pigeons, who are already bracing themselves for Saturday’s much-anticipated clash without champion Craig Ednie, Steve McKee and Luke Hammond.
The trio — along with defender Marc Lonergan — are all unavailable this week due to a wedding in Queensland.
O’Connor, 27, was reported by umpire Trent Marks and boundary umpire Anthony Willison during the second quarter of last Saturday’s encounter.
Both umpires had slightly different versions of events.
Marks said he saw O’Connor land three punches to the back of Murray’s head as he looked to break free and lead, while Willison said he saw “four to five” blows to the “chest and stomach” area.
O’Connor, who openly admitted to making contact with Murray, argued the force he used was “minimal” and it was a pushing action, rather than a punch.
He agreed with Willison’s view that contact was made to Murray’s chest, however, denied accusations of making contact to Murray’s head.
O’Connor, who represented the Ovens and Murray last season, has again been picked in the interleague squad to take on the Peninsula league later this month.
He is averaging just under three goals a game this year.
