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Tom Barrass, a defender for West Coast, was given a one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle, but the club’s Charlie Cameron-esque defence before the Tribunal was ineffective.On Wednesday, the Eagles’ first defensive strategy was to argue that Barrass’s sling tackle of Fremantle veteran Michael Walters should have been given a low impact rating rather than a medium impact rating.If that didn’t work out, however, West Coast attorney David Grace contended that Barrass’ spotless record in the NFL and his excellent community service should be used to invoke the AFL’s “exceptional and compelling circumstances” clause, which would lower the suspension to a fine.
This comes after the Tribunal last week reduced Cameron’s one-match suspension for a hazardous tackle to a fine, citing the forward from Brisbane’s spotless playing record and evaluations of his conduct off the pitch as justifications.
Barrass has never received a suspension in his 138 AFL games or 33 senior WAFL games, therefore West Coast adopted a similar defence in light of the parallels between the Barrass and Cameron occurrences.
The three-person panel of the Tribunal determined that Barrass’s tackle constituted a medium level of impact after more than an hour of deliberation.
Additionally, Barrass’s ban couldn’t be reduced to a fine due to insufficient compelling or extraordinary circumstances, according to Tribunal Chair Renee Enbom.
“The circumstances around that Cameron decision changed. Here, the facts are different,” stated Enbom.
“The elements of the risky tackle are different in this instance.
“There was a high risk of a head or neck injury due to the combination of extreme force, arm pinning, and forceful rotation.
“Barrass has an impressive background. Although his record is strong, we do not believe that it is appropriate or reasonable to suspend him for one game.”
When Barrass spoke, his work at the McGovern Foundation—which helps Native Americans get and keep their driver’s license—was widely highlighted.
Also emphasised was the 28-year-old’s advocacy work in the fight against domestic abuse.
Barrass also discussed his work as a meditation teacher at Hale School, where he works with eighth-graders.
In addition, references from former West Coast chairman Russell Gibbs and colleague Jeremy McGovern, who established the McGovern Foundation, were included.
After tackling Walters, Barrass claimed he spoke with the forward twice, and each time the Fremantle player downplayed the encounter.
“The first one we ran past each other on the ground and hi-fived each other,” said Barrass.
In the second instance, I shook hands with everyone after the game and asked, ‘Are you all good, bro?’ and he responded, “Yes, I’m really cute.”
Grace defended Barrass by claiming Walters’ head struck the ball before his body made contact with the earth.
“That is a significant impediment to the level of impact,” Grace stated. The football has a leather construction. The ball may get an indentation from an object that falls on it.
“The ball as we know is full of air.”
Attorney Andrew Woods of the AFL disputed the notion.
Furthermore, he made the argument that Barrass’s 138 AFL games played without a ban shouldn’t be considered strong evidence.
According to Woods, the impact was definitely medium rather than low.
The head’s impact with the ground is visible,” Woods remarked. “Walters puts his hands to his head and opens his mouth.
“There was some frank evidence given about the force being used and it was excessive.”
Barrass’s absence from the match against Gold Coast on Sunday will severely hinder the West Coast’s chances of winning three games in a row.
At the tribunal meeting on Tuesday, Jesse Hogan of Greater Western Sydney successfully challenged his penalty, while teammate Toby Greene’s ban was affirmed. This leads to the Barrass ruling.
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