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 appealed their suspensions based on the submission of favorable character references.

The AFL's disciplinary system is governed by the Australian Football League Rules and Regulations, as well as the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA). When a player is found guilty of misconduct, they can be suspended for a certain period depending on the severity of their offense. The initial penalty is determined by the Match Review Officer (MRO) or the Tribunal, depending on the gravity of the infringement.

The AFL Tribunal is an independent body responsible for hearing and determining appeals against decisions made by the MRO. The Tribunal has the power to reduce or increase penalties based on various factors, including mitigating and aggravating circumstances. Character references are often submitted during these appeals to demonstrate the player's good conduct and remorse, which can potentially influence the decision-making process.

One of the most recent high-profile cases involving character references was the appeal by Essendon's Joe Daniher in 2019. Daniher was initially suspended for three matches for striking an opponent during a game. However, his legal team presented several character references from high-profile figures in the community, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Essendon legend Tim Watson. The Tribunal ultimately reduced Daniher's suspension to two matches, citing his "exemplary record" and "genuine remorse" as reasons for the reduction.

This decision sparked criticism from various quarters, with many arguing that character references should not have any bearing on the outcome of disciplinary hearings. Critics argue that allowing character references to influence suspensions creates an unfair advantage for players with strong support networks and can potentially undermine the consistency of the disciplinary system.

In response to this controversy, Matthew Lloyd has called for the AFL to remove the ability for players to use character references in their appeals. He believes that doing so would help maintain fairness and consistency in the disciplinary process. However, it is essential to note that this is just one perspective and that there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate.

It is important to remember that this issue is not new and has been a topic of discussion for several years. The AFL has not yet made any official statements regarding potential changes to their disciplinary process regarding character references. However, the ongoing debate highlights the importance of ongoing discussions and potential reforms to ensure fairness and consistency in the AFL's disciplinary system.