Rawlings out, Bartel OK
Bruce Matthews
Herald-Sun
14jun06
FOOTBALL'S contentious bump claimed one victim and let another accused walk free from the AFL Tribunal last night.
Kangaroo Jade Rawlings fell foul of a rough conduct charge in only his second senior game of the season and he will miss the split-round game against Carlton on Friday week.
The Roos are unlikely to appeal Rawlings' one-match suspension.
"I'm disappointed, but I have to accept it. That's all I can do," Rawlings said after the hearing.
Rawlings and Bartel pleaded guilty to the match review panel charges, but both tried to have the conduct category downgraded from reckless to the less serious negligent.
Rawlings told the jury he turned his body to ensure he did not collect Richmond forward Richard Tambling to the head during the opening quarter at the MCG on Saturday.
"I believe I took a duty of care. I'm well aware after 12 years playing what that duty of care is," Rawlings said. "My mindset during the whole contest was to win the ball. When Richard fumbled (the mark), I thought I was a genuine chance to win the ball."
Rawlings stood in the witness box and raised his shirt to reveal a large bruise on the right hip from the collision.
"I uphold my integrity. I'm a non-malicious person and I believe I've taken a duty of care in this instance. I firmly believe it's a negligent act," he said.
Rawlings said if anyone canvassed his teammates' view of him, "the resounding theme would be. . . that I'm a ball player and . . . a fair player".
Umpire Shaun Ryan, who reported Rawlings on the day, did not accept contact was inevitable. "The player has got his head down trying to get the ball and is met solidly high when the player didn't have the opportunity to protect himself," Ryan said.
The jury deliberated for only three minutes before returning the guilty verdict and, even though Rawlings forfeited the discount for an early plea, he only misses one game.
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