Centurions hope for appeal to be heard

WERRIBEE Centrals has made a last-ditch effort to appeal Nathan Johnson’s four-week suspension after missing the deadline on Friday.

Johnson’s initial ban for striking Bannockburn player Matt James was increased by a week on Wednesday night.

The club talked through the appeal process on Thursday night but AFL Victoria confirmed an appeal was not lodged by the 2pm deadline the next day.

Werribee Centrals president Chris Kopolke said the paperwork was sent in after the deadline and the club was hopeful the appeal would still be heard.

Centurions co-coach Nick Smith said the club wanted to challenge the suspension — for an incident in which Johnson collected James high with an arm after he kicked the ball — given the umpire’s evidence was overlooked at the tribunal.

The club has also requested AFL Barwon look into how cocaptain Matt Miller received a broken jaw in the spiteful clash, which will be taken up by an independent investigator.

Due to the chaos from last weekend’s match, the Centurions are set to make six changes.

With Zac Anthony and Johnson serving suspensions, James Gough and Chad Buck are out, while Rhys Miles will miss due to family reasons.

As co-captain Miller settles in to his 6-8 weeks on the sidelines, he will be replaced by his fellow skipper with Blake Quarrier in the side.

Brad Neurath, Nick Bauld, Josh Sutton and Mitch Alush have been brought in.

“We have lost probably half our midfield and half our forward line, so there will be opportunities for players to try to secure their spot,” Smith said.

Jackson Smith and Tito Nyawela will try to force their way back through the reserves.