Despite the West Coast Eagles’ efforts to defend Tom Barrass’s one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle, reminiscent of Charlie Cameron’s style, their arguments failed to sway the Tribunal.
Initially, the Eagles contended that Barrass’s tackle on Fremantle’s Michael Walters should be categorized as low impact rather than medium impact. However, when this defense fell through, the club’s legal representative, David Grace, invoked Barrass’s impeccable on-field record and significant contributions to the community as grounds for reducing the ban to a fine.
This strategy was inspired by the Tribunal’s recent decision to downgrade Charlie Cameron’s ban for a similar offense, taking into account Cameron’s clean playing history and positive off-field character.
Despite the parallels between Barrass’s case and Cameron’s case, the Tribunal maintained that Barrass’s tackle constituted a medium level of impact. Tribunal chair Renee Enbom emphasized that while Barrass possesses an admirable record, it wasn’t sufficient to warrant a reduction of the ban to a fine.
The panel deliberated for over an hour and concluded that the dangerous nature of Barrass’s tackle, characterized by excessive force, arm pinning, and forceful rotation, posed a significant risk of head or neck injury. Although Barrass’s philanthropic work at the McGovern Foundation, particularly in assisting Indigenous individuals with driver’s license issues, was acknowledged during the proceedings, it wasn’t deemed sufficient to alter the Tribunal’s decision.
The Tribunal also highlighted Barrass’s involvement in advocacy work against domestic violence. Additionally, his role at Hale School, where he teaches meditation to year-eight students, was noted. Testimonials from teammate Jeremy McGovern, who founded the McGovern Foundation, and former West Coast chairman Russell Gibbs were also presented in his defense.
Barrass recounted two interactions with Walters following the tackle, both times downplaying the incident. According to Barrass, they exchanged a high-five during the game and shook hands afterward, with Walters affirming that he was fine.
In his defense, Grace argued that Walters’s head had initially made contact with the ball before hitting the ground, which he believed lessened the impact. However, AFL counsel Andrew Woods challenged this assertion, emphasizing the visible collision and Walters’s reaction. Woods also contested the notion that Barrass’s clean record should be considered compelling circumstances, arguing that the impact of the tackle was clearly medium rather than low.
Unfortunately, the Tribunal upheld Barrass’s suspension, resulting in his absence from the upcoming match against Gold Coast. This decision came amidst Greater Western Sydney’s Jesse Hogan successfully overturning his ban and teammate Toby Greene’s ban being upheld in Tuesday’s Tribunal sitting.
