Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has publicly endorsed North Melbourne defender Jackson Archer, despite his recent three-match suspension following a collision with Bulldogs player Luke Cleary. Beveridge acknowledged that he hadn’t reviewed the incident in detail but expressed understanding of Archer’s play style, which is reminiscent of his father, Glenn Archer, known for his fierce approach on the field.
Beveridge proposed that the current AFL suspension criteria should be re-evaluated, particularly the procedures related to the Match Review Officer (MRO) and the appeals process. He suggested adopting a civil law perspective to assess suspensions, focusing on whether there was any intent behind the actions that led to the incident. Beveridge firmly believes that Archer did not intend to harm Cleary during the incident, stating, “For a moment, I don’t think he wanted to hurt Luke. Based on what I believe, he shouldn’t be sidelined from the game.”
This stance underscores a broader conversation within the AFL about the need for clear and fair guidelines concerning player conduct and suspensions. Beveridge’s comments reflect a desire for a more nuanced understanding of incidents on the field, advocating for criteria that take into account the intentions of players rather than purely the outcomes of their actions.