Damien Hardwick criticises AFL Tribunal, says Gold Coast player should have been suspended

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick says the AFL Tribunal interpretation of football acts and non-football acts should change in the wake of decisions made on Suns players Ben Long and Sam Clohesy.

Read more S&P Improves Rating of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Due to Good Financial Management

Long escaped with two fines for striking and misconduct against GWS midfielder Clayton Oliver, while Clohesy received a two-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Ryan Angwin.

Hardwick feels that a non-football act, like Long’s off-the-ball aggression, should be dealt with more harshly than Clohesy, whose offence occurred while making a tackle.

«If I’m being completely honest, you get a week for stupidity, if I’m Ben,» Hardwick said on AFL 360.

MORE: AFL 2026 Brownlow Medal predictor: Marcus Bontempelli takes back the lead

«It’s uncalled for, it’s not in the football game.

«It’s a disappointing thing, it cost us a 50 and to be fair it probably should’ve cost him a week, I feel. It’s a non-football act.»

Read more RTP Downgrades Quietly Reshape UK Slot Economics

When speaking later about Clohesy’s tackle and punishment, Hardwick indicated the winger was unlucky when you compare his act with Long’s.

«Sam Clohesy didn’t go in with any intent or malice to injure young Angwin – and we hope he’s OK – but when you sit there and think about his intent, his intent is to tackle, not to hurt,» Hardwick said.

«I find it a little bit challenging at stages where Sam has been taught his whole life how to tackle and he gets to two weeks, but you can walk up and punch someone and get a fine.

«One is a football act and one isn’t.

«I’m happy they’ve used some precedent and got that reduced, but I still look at football acts a little bit differently to non-football acts and feel they should be fine.

Read more ‘50 is the old 30’: Why Blake Austin is unconcerned by Tigers’ thumping loss to Sharks

«The game needs its talent playing, we’re an entertainment industry.»