AFL legends are debating the appropriateness of a three-week suspension handed to North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer following a head collision with Bulldogs player Luke Cleary during a recent match. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter as North Melbourne lost to the Bulldogs, with the match review officer subsequently imposing the ban on Archer. However, the Kangaroos are expected to appeal this decision.
Opinions among analysts are divided; some argue that Cleary’s actions contributed to the incident, as players diving for the ball risk collisions with others. AFL great James Hird commented on the complexity of the situation, suggesting Archer had limited options during the play. Bartel also raised the point that Cleary could have easily found himself penalised for his actions, even though he was taken off the field on a medicab after the collision. He questioned the lack of a free kick awarded to Archer, pointing out the league’s emphasis on players staying on their feet and avoiding ground tackles.
In a related note, Swans midfielder Justin McInerney received a three-match suspension following a separate incident in which he made high contact with a player, resulting in a concussion. This marks McInerney’s second consecutive suspension as he also faced additional charges for rough conduct and tripping in his latest match.
The discussions surrounding Archer’s suspension highlight the ongoing challenges faced by players and officials in navigating safety rules and the often ambiguous interpretations of those rules in high-pressure game situations. The appeal from the Kangaroos underlines the belief that a three-week penalty may be excessively harsh for Archer given the circumstances surrounding the incident.