THE lag time between a player being reported and the Match Review Panel handing down its verdict is “unprofessional”, says AFL legend Robert Walls.
Controversial GWS forward Toby Greene was reported for kicking the Western Bulldogs’ Luke Dahlhaus in an incident that polarised the football community on Friday night.
Three days — and much dissection — later the MRP handed down its decision on Monday afternoon, fining Greene $ 1500 for misconduct.
Walls suggested the AFL should expedite the time between a report being handed out and a decision being handed down in order to alleviate the concerns of all invested parties.
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Toby Greene kicks Luke Dahlhaus in the faceSource:Supplied
“The AFL says it’s professional in so many areas,” Walls said on Fox Footy’s AFL Tonight.
“It’s not professional that the player, the club and the football supporters have to wait two and three days to get a result.
“I think it has to be the next day.
“If the MRP members can’t do that then get someone who can do it.”
The premiership player and coach said Greene was “fortunate” to have escaped suspension, with the kick endangering Dahlhaus.
“What he did to me was reckless and intentional. I think he’s very fortunate he’ll be able to play,” Walls said.
“Now people have been saying he had his eyes on the ball when he took that handball receive … well of course he had his eyes on the ball.
“We’re talking about one of the most skilful, well balanced players in the competition. He knew that there was an opponent coming in from the side there and he put the straight leg out.”
Jack Redpath has been offered a two-match ban. Photo: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia
Walls also weighed in on the suspension handed down to Western Bulldogs’ forward Jack Redpath.
Redpath was handed a two-week ban for striking GWS co-captain Phil Davis.
If he and the Bulldogs decide to challenge the suspension they risk increasing the ban to three weeks if unsuccessful.
“I think it’s wrong,” Walls said.
“You’re entitled to challenge a decision and if you don’t get what you want you get an extra week … that’s not fair.
“Phil Davis has initiated the contact. Jack Redpath says, ‘cop that’ and in many ways he’s got his right whack.
“I’m a little disappointed Redpath is going to miss two weeks because of it and possible three if he was to appeal it.”
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Originally published as ‘Unprofessional’: Walls slams MRP lag time
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