HAWKS’ TRIBUNAL NERVES
INVERLEIGH co-captain Justin Di Blasio has leapt to the defence of teammate Ryan Garrard, who will face the music for an alleged hit that could cost him a place in Saturday’s grand final.
Di Blasio, who fronted the media last night, was adamant that Garrard was “not a dirty player” following an incident in Saturday’s preliminary final that left Bannockburn captain Jack Brauman with a broken jaw.
Garrard, a key player for the Hawks, was charged by AFL Barwon’s match review panel for rough conduct on Brauman.
Garrard was offered a twomatch set penalty, but Bannockburn exercised its right to request that the case be heard at tribunal.
He will fight to clear his name tonight, accused by Tigers coach Peter Riccardi of elbowing Brauman “fair and square in the jaw”.
Brauman had surgery on Saturday night.
“It’s not what you want to see, but if he (Garrard) plays on next week then it’s a joke, seriously it’s a joke,” Riccardi said.
“We’re trying to wipe that stuff from our league, but not only that, he doesn’t get a free kick or anything. I’m fuming, it’s just ridiculous.”
Di Blasio admitted that Garrard and the Hawks faced a “nervous wait”.
“We’ll support him all the way and it is what it is,” Di Blasio said.
“I don’t want to say too much on the topic because it’s only fresh and I haven’t got full details, I only know he’s been suspended for two weeks and I’ll just leave it at that.
“What I will say though, he’s not a dirty player. I’ve known him for quite a few years now and I don’t think he will solely go out, on purpose, to break somebody’s jaw.
“I think a lot of people in the media and on social media need to know that it is a game and people do get hurt.”
Asked if he was disappointed with Riccardi’s comments postmatch, Di Blasio replied: “I can understand his frustration and obviously emotions get to people on the Saturday.
“I think he was interviewed straight after the game, so he was very emotional and fired up from it. He said what he said and ‘ Rusty’ will cop his right whack or play.”
But Di Blasio is adamant that the tribunal hearing won’t distract his team as it bids to break a 25-year premiership drought.
“I haven’t spoken to Macca (coach Mark McDowell), it’s obviously fresh so we’ll concentrate on it and get around him, and after that it’s solely focusing on the rest of the week,” Di Blasio said.
“We’ll get our structures in place, do what we have to and then worry about Saturday’s game.”