Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra has won his case at the AFL Tribunal, after being charged with striking in Sunday’s win over Geelong, meaning he can play this weekend’s game against Adelaide.
The Tribunal heard evidence for nearly an hour, then, after more than 30 minutes of deliberation, found in the Blues’ favour, downgrading the suspension to just a fine.
He was offered a one-week suspension by the Match Review Officer for the incident in the third quarter involving Jack Bowes.
It was graded as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact.
Carlton fought the ban, saying it was not a strike and if it was, it should be classified as careless rather than intentional.
Carlton’s lawyer, Chris Townshend, told the hearing that the two-handed push was instigated by Bowes and that Cerra was expecting it, so he put a two-handed push back to the Geelong player.
He added that it was a typical grapple between players at stoppages.
Adam Cerra also gave evidence at the hearing, explaining that it was a complete accident.
“Bowes comes to me and goes to engage through a push, my reaction was to push him back to protect my space, as we do 100 times a game,” Cerra said.
“I put my arm out (after), I was surprised to get him high. It was an accident … as the ball went away and we were running off, I checked on him and apologised, he said he was all good, he was well aware it was an accident.”
In response, the AFL argued that, among the reasons for it being an intentional strike, was that Cerra was looking at Bowes, it was in response to a ‘jostle’, and it was a forceful blow.
Adelaide defender Mitch Hinge is also set to face the Tribunal later on Wednesday.
MORE TO COME
