Geelong forward Gary Rohan was sentenced to a two-match ban by the AFL’s match review officer for hitting Lachie Neale in the Cats’ thrilling one-point win.
Rohan was accused of hitting Neale in the first quarter, the incident having been assessed as “intentional conduct, medium impact and high contact”.
It remains to be seen whether Geelong will challenge the charge in AFL court, particularly after the Cats coach. Chris Scott had expressed confidence that Rohan would avoid a suspension.
Scott was adamant that Neale started the exchange between the two players by slapping Rohan in the chest, before Rohan reacted with a swaying right arm.
“I thought Neale hit Gary in the chest and then Gary hit him in the chest,” he said.
“Neale did it (start), the vision is clear. I’m not saying he did the wrong thing, it’s footy.
“I saw what Gary did and I’m comfortable with it.”
While Rohan was barred from exchanging two matches, Neale did not receive any sanction from the MRO.
The reigning Brownlow medalist fell to the ground gripping his jaw, before raising three fingers on Rohan, apparently indicating he would be banned from three matches.
