GWS Giants captain Toby Greene has been suspended for three matches by the AFL tribunal after being found guilty of intentional umpire contact. The incident occurred during the three-quarter-time break of Saturday's elimination final against Sydney, which the Giants won by one point.
The tribunal jury, comprising former players Richard Loveridge, Stephen Jurica and Shane Wakelin, deemed Greene's actions as 'aggressive, demonstrative and disrespectful'. Greene had pleaded not guilty to the intentional aspect of the charge but conceded contact had been made with umpire Matt Stevic.
During the hearing, Greene's lawyer Ben Ihle QC proposed a severe financial penalty instead of a suspension, but the jury declined. The ban means Greene will miss Friday's sudden-death semi-final against Geelong in Perth, and potentially the start of the 2022 season depending on the Giants' finals run.
Umpire Stevic testified that he did not feel threatened by the contact, describing it as 'minor', but acknowledged it was 'not a good look for the game'. AFL lawyer Jeff Gleeson QC argued for a six-match suspension, labelling Greene's behaviour 'insolent and contemptuous'.
Greene apologised for the contact, stating it was not intentional. He has the option to appeal the decision, as he did after a previous one-match ban for striking Patrick Dangerfield in round 21.
