Lake‘ s penalty points pooled up against defence
HAWTHORN fullback Brian Lake will serve a four- match ban after he was found guilty of making intentional contact to the throat of North Melbourne’s Drew Petrie.
The 2013 Norm Smith medallist has played five games this season because of injury and suspension.
Lake faces an uphill battle to regain fitness and form for the finals series after his 410- point penalty.
The second- placed Hawks
have seven matches remaining home- and- away season.
“It’s been a tough couple of days for myself and my family,” the 32year- old Lake told reporters after a hearing of more than 90 minutes.
“I respect the jury’s decision on the four weeks.’’
Lake’s case had been referred directly by the match review panel to the tribunal.
The veteran defender said in evi-
in
the dence he had been simply trying to grab Petrie’s jumper around the collarbone area.
Player advocate Chris Townshend said Lake denied putting Petrie in a “choker- hold” and was instead guilty of a lesser offence of aggressive wrestling.
Legal counsel Andrew Woods said the video footage showed Lake attacking Petrie’s throat.
“It was an intentional application of force to the throat,” Woods said.
Lake was shown footage of the incident and when asked if his hand was on Petrie’s throat, he said it was in the collarbone area.
“I have no recollection of him crying out. I could see he was in discomfort, yes,” Lake said.
“I don’t think it was force, no.
“I had a very good grip of his jumper. I probably should have let go.’’
significant