Star Tiger’s strike ‘unnecessary’ but challenge looms after ban handed downCatherine Healey
Fox Sports
July 4th, 2022 9:16 pmRichmond coach Damien Hardwick admits defender Nick Vlastuin crossed a “fine line” striking opponent Connor West, but the club will challenge the one-match ban handed down.
Vlastuin was cited by the Match Review on Monday for his actions against the Eagles’ mid late in the fourth quarter.
Cameras behind the goalposts captured Vlastuin lash out with his left elbow, as West drops to his knees.
Speaking on AFL360 on Monday night, Hardwick said the club would assess where the contact on West was and take their case to the tribunal.
“I was on the phone before to (Tigers’ general manager of football performance) Tim Livingstone, and we think we will (challenge),” he said.
“It’s probably just looking at where the contact was … we’ll go through that but ideally we’ll probably challenge that tomorrow.”
The Match Review assessed the 28-year-old’s contact as high, intentional and of low impact.
Hardwick admitted Vlastuin was “disappointed” in his actions, while stating the club did not condone the behaviour.
“It’s not the sort of action we’re overly happy with,” he said.
“Nick’s disappointed, the game was over. There was no need to do it.
“It’s just unnecessary from our point of view.
“Nick knows that – players know after the fact. They live a fine line.
“(Players) are competitive, they are combative and sometimes they step over the line.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/star-tigers-strike-unnecessary-but-challenge-looms-after-ban-handed-down/news-story/3ea9f9825a1f3204a83ab0c9e5dd58c0
