Laitham Vandermeer

Young Dog, Suns veteran to potentially catch MRO attention after trading blows

Should either incident be scrutinised by the AFL’s Match Review Officer?

Published by
Mitch Keating

Western Bulldogs utility Laitham Vandermeer and Gold Coast veteran Alex Sexton could both gain the scrutiny of the AFL's Match Review Officer after the pair traded blows during Sunday's clash in Ballarat.

Midway through the third term of the Dogs' eight-goal win, Sexton was cleaned up by Vandermeer as he disposed of the ball deep in the Suns' backline, with the young Dog looking to have collected Sexton high with his right shoulder.

Sexton was able to immediately retaliate after getting to his feet, pushing the back of Vandermeer's head with his hand to leave the latter in pain on the ground.

With the Dogs regaining possession from Sexton's errant kick, a 50-metre penalty was paid in favour of Sam Darcy, who was able to convert a goal from close range.

The actions of both Vandermeer and Sexton are likely to be looked at by the MRO ahead of Monday's findings for all three matches played on Sunday.

The MRO would have to see Vandermeer's hit on Sexton as an action that was either contesting the ball or that the high contact was a result of circumstances outside of Vandermeer's control to have the young Bulldogs avoid a charge.

If a 'low' impact grading is seen to be sufficient, Vandermeer could also be graded with high contact and careless conduct and therefore be slapped with a fine.

If the MRO sees the level of impact as 'medium', then Vandermeer would be handed a one-game suspension and be unavailable to play this weekend against West Coast.

Sexton's hit on Vandermeer could see the Suns forward-turned-defender be charged with striking, regardless of using an open hand.

If the MRO sees Sexton as having used more than negligible impact he could be with a one-game suspension if his actions were graded as intentional conduct, high contact and low impact.

If the strike does not have more than negligible impact, Sexton could still be hit with a fine.

A suspension would mean Sexton is not free to play until Round 5, with the Suns scheduled for a bye this week. Sexton would then miss his side's Gather Round clash with GWS before returning the week after against Hawthorn.

Published by
Mitch Keating