Lloyd's confusion over Tribunal act

Matthew Lloyd, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player and current commentator for Channel 7's coverage of the AFL, has expressed his view that the AFL should eliminate the use of character references in mitigating the suspensions handed down to players. This controversy stems from recent incidents where players have successfully used character references to reduce their suspensions, leading to public debate and criticism.

The AFL's disciplinary system includes the Match Review Panel (MRP), which determines the initial penalties for misconduct during games. The MRP can issue fines or suspensions based on the offenses committed. Players or their clubs can then challenge these decisions at the AFL Tribunal, an independent body responsible for hearing appeals against MRP decisions.

Character references are statements from individuals who can vouch for a player's good conduct or remorse. These references can be submitted during tribunal hearings to demonstrate that the player has shown genuine remorse or has undergone rehabilitation since the offense. The tribunal considers these references when determining the severity of the penalty.

One high-profile case that sparked this debate was the suspension of Essendon's Devon Smith in 2019. Smith was suspended for three matches for striking an opponent during a game. However, at his tribunal hearing, several character references were presented, including one from Essendon coach John Worsfold. The tribunal ultimately reduced Smith's suspension to two matches, citing his remorse and rehabilitation efforts as reasons for the leniency.

Another instance involved Geelong's Mitch Duncan in 2020. Duncan was suspended for one match for striking an opponent but had his ban reduced to a fine after submitting a character reference from teammate Tom Hawkins.

These cases have raised concerns among critics who argue that character references may not accurately reflect a player's behavior or intentions during the incident in question. They also believe that allowing character references to influence penalties may create an unfair advantage for some players and clubs.

In response to these concerns, Matthew Lloyd has called for the AFL to eliminate the use of character references in mitigating suspensions. He believes that doing so would ensure consistency in penalties and prevent favoritism towards certain players or clubs.

However, it is essential to note that the AFL Tribunal has the discretion to consider any relevant information when making its decisions, including character references. Eliminating their use entirely might limit the tribunal's ability to consider mitigating factors and could potentially result in harsher penalties for players.

The debate surrounding character references and their impact on suspensions is an ongoing issue in the AFL community. While some argue that they create an unfair advantage, others believe they provide valuable context and insight into a player's remorse and rehabilitation efforts. Ultimately, the AFL and its stakeholders must carefully consider the implications of this issue and determine whether changes are necessary to ensure fairness and consistency in their disciplinary system.