DUSTIN SHAFTED# Jon Ralph
# From: Herald Sun
# September 10, 2010 12:12PM DON'T expect a change to the criteria for eligibility for the AFL Rising Star and Brownlow Medal any time soon.
Richmond's Dustin Martin was desperately unlucky to miss out on the Rising Star award, all because he did the team thing and accepted a 90-odd point reprimand early on in the season.
He had no choice - if he took it on at the tribunal and lost he would be seen to be selfish.
But because the base charge was over 100 points he was ineligible, as are players for the Brownlow Medal.
The AFL system virtually forced players to accept early pleas.
Most players only take on charges if they are not risking an extra week's suspension.
But the AFLPA says its constituents have bigger fish to fry - they want to introduce the use of precedents - and are unlikely to challenge the rules this year.
Sooner or later a player will lose the Brownlow Medal for a minor offence that should have been cleared by the match review panel.
But because the system forces players to accept their penalties, there is the distinct possibility it could all end in tears.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/the-buzz-take-a-pay-cut-fev/story-e6frf9jf-1225914748147
