Source :- THE AGE NEWS
The AFL’s counsel, Andrew Woods KC, is up first.
The umpire who penalised Jarman Impey for holding the ball in the dying moments of the classic preliminary final has received the ultimate endorsement – selection for Saturday’s grand final.
Hayden Meyer was praised for making the correct but brave decision, which enabled Brisbane’s Hugh McCluggage to put the Lions in front. But the umpires were abused by Hawks fans as they left the ground, some in the crowd threw bottles onto the field, and Hawthorn players James Sicily and Tom Barrass were fined for their reactions to the call.
Meyer will officiate in his third grand final, alongside Brett Rosebury (in his 10th), Nick Foot and Brendan Hosking.
“The umpires selected to officiate this Saturday have earned the honour and privilege of representing the umpiring group,” AFL head of officiating Steve McBurney said.
The hearing is proceeding at a steady rate. Neale is about to be quizzed about his good record.
Neale is confirmed that he’s had three previous cases where he’s faced striking charges. None of those resulted in a suspension.
The Lion couldn’t immediately recall if he’d challenged those cases.
“They were just fines. I think I accepted all three,” Neale said.
Neale faces questions about where Ginnivan opponent is on the field, and whether his opponent knew he was approaching.
“You can see him look a step or two before I make impact,” Neale said.
The Lion confirms that Ginnivan was by himself near the 50m arc, and that the ball was not in play.
“No, the ball is not in the area,” Neale said.
Neale says he spoke to Ginnivan on the phone today.
“I spoke to Jack this morning on the phone,” Neale said.
“He said it felt more like a bump [or] body check than a strike.
“He said my body force made him go to ground.”
When Neale was running away from the incident, the veteran Lion explained why he gestured with a diving motion.
“I felt that Jack might have taken a dive to get a free kick, and that was why I was indicating a diving action,” Neale said.
“He had a bit of a smile on his face, but didn’t say anything.”
Lachie Neale is outlining his defence, explaining he clashed with Ginnivan because he was unhappy with the Hawk’s treatment of Eric Hipwood moments earlier.
“For me I was very close to the incident between Jack [Ginnivan] and Eric Hipwood .. . where it seemed that Jack … gave him some jumper punches.
“I didn’t feel that that looked great.
“So I went to show my disappointment in that action, and ran past Jack and body check, bump him and felt that my shoulder made contact with his body and shoulder first.
“My arm wraps around Jack, but I didn’t feel that I was bumped into him.
We’re going through the initial discussions between the parties. Andrew Woods, KC, for the AFL, is discussing the medical report submitted for Jack Ginnivan.
The report says the Hawk was assessed on field, but there’s no ongoing injuries. Ginnivan can’t miss any games “because we don’t have any”.
Now Brisbane’s player representative, Adrian Anderson, is quizzing Neale about his early AFL career.
We are now up and going.
Brisbane are arguing the incident in question is not a strike. But if it is, Brisbane argue it’s low impact rather than medium impact. Also, the Lions are ready to argue exemplary and compelling circumstances due to Neale’s on-field record.
We’re already two minutes late. That’s not a great sign. Sitting by here, waiting for this hearing to launch.
