Umpire evidence key as AFL bans Walters

Fremantle could take their in-form star Michael Walters’ one-game headbutting charge to the AFL tribunal on Tuesday, where West Coast have confirmed they will challenge the one-game rough conduct suspension against defender Jeremy McGovern.

But the problem for the Dockers is there is no clear vision of Walters’ incident with Melbourne youngster Jay Lockhart.

Match reviewer Michael Christian said the evidence of field umpire Curtis Deboy was a key factor in the Walters verdict.

Deboy reported Walters during Saturday’s game at the MCG.

“He was perfectly positioned and his evidence did carry some significant weight,” Christian said of Deboy.

“After his evidence, we were satisfied there was enough impact to grade it low impact.”

It was a costly loss for the Dockers, with Jesse Hogan and Stephen Hill also injured in the match.

Walters was one of their best, continuing his strong form with three goals.

The Dockers will host resurgent Carlton next Sunday.

Port Adelaide also paid a price for Saturday night’s upset win over top side Geelong.

Karl Amon was suspended for one game after his bump left Gary Rohan concussed, and teammate Dougal Howard was also banned for one match after he gut-punched Harry Taylor.

Port are at home next Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Christian explained why McGovern’s incident, where he pushed Essendon youngster Matt Guelfi into the Optus Stadium fence last Thursday night, was graded as careless conduct.

“Where it got into the careless area was the extension of Jeremy’s arms and pushing Matt Guelfi into the fence,” Christian said.

“That occurred – in our opinion – significantly over the boundary line, a metre or so.”

Also on Monday, Melbourne utility Jayden Hunt and Fremantle opponent Luke Ryan were fined for wrestling each other, and Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English can accept a $2000 fine for striking Collingwood defender Jack Crisp.

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