Swan McCartin’s two-game ban overturned at tribunal

Aug 22, 2023, 06:00 AM ET

Sydney have had defender Tom McCartin’s two-game rough conduct ban overturned, with the AFL tribunal ruling the collision that floored Shane McAdam was not a bump.

The Adelaide forward will need surgery after he suffered a depressed cheekbone fracture in the incident, which happened during the frenetic last quarter of Sydney’s controversial one-point win.

The Swans successfully argued the collision was an accident, caused by McCartin having to change direction as he was chasing the ball.

Tom McCartin will miss his side’s clash with the Demons after copping a rough conduct suspension in Round 23. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

McCartin was facing suspension for Sydney’s home game on Sunday against Melbourne and then their elimination final, meaning the ban could have ended his season.

“Although when viewed from certain angles this action looks like a bump, we heard McCartin’s explanation and looked at the footage and the stills showing all angles, we are not satisfied it was a bump,” the tribunal said in its ruling.

“We find … that the way in which McCartin responded to a late and sharp change in direction of the ball was not unreasonable.

“There was little else he could reasonably do than himself change direction, decelerate and ride the inevitable impact, which he did.”

Also on Tuesday night, the Western Bulldogs were challenging defender Taylor Duryea’s one-game rough conduct ban for his bump on West Coast forward Jamie Cripps.

The Bulldogs must beat Geelong on Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium and rely on Carlton beating GWS if they are to make the finals.