I don't think Duddy should be reported for the hit on Ben as it is my opinion that it was just part of footy, but the umpire who was in close proximity should be dropped for at least the rest of the season, including finals, for not paying a free kick for the serious head high contact, now matter how much it is a part of the game.
The AFL has been blatantly clear about its attitude and direction to the officials and players about head high contact.
The AFL has been blatantly clear about it attitude and direction to the official and players about contact with an umpire, and the AFL always protects umpires against contact from players.
The umpire saw what happened from close quarters and chose not to pay a free kick. The decision was in clear contravention of the AFL rules.
It was the wrong decision and it was not the only wrong decision that this umpire made throughout the game.
The football supporting public accept that umpires make mistakes, but they do not accept seeing players pole-axed without penalty.
Surely if the umpire doesn't penalise the offending player, then the umpire should be penalised for not upholding one of the safety tenets required by the AFL towards its employees.