AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking has fronted the media following Adelaide player David Mackays contentious AFL Tribunal hearing this week, in which he was cleared of rough conduct.
After a lengthy hearing on Thursday night, Mackay was found not guilty of rough conduct on St Kildas Hunter Clark after a contest between the pair left the latter with a broken jaw.
Speaking to media on Friday after the decision, Hocking said the league made no apologies for its role in referring Mackay directly to the Tribunal.
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The AFL respects the decision of the Tribunal jury following last nights hearing. We never assumed that David Mackay sent out to hurt Hunter Clark, but we did consider that he acted carelessly and unreasonably in the circumstances, Hocking said.
The Tribunal did not agree with this and we accept the decision with the Tribunal. The health and safety of players at all levels of the game remains paramount and the AFL will not hesitate to take action where the health and safety of players is impacted or at risk.
The rules have not changed – players must take reasonable care at all times, including how they approach a contest and how they bump an opponent and they need to continue to do so in the future. There is an ongoing process and review of the rules to protect the health and safety of all players in the game.
The outcome of the Tribunal will be considered in that review. If necessary, rules will be adjusted at the end of the season. We make no apologies for taking action to make the game safer for participants at all levels of the game.
Asked to explain why he referred the matter to the Tribunal despite the incident not being cited by Match Review Officer Michael Christian, Hocking said it was a tough decision to make, but one he didnt regret.
It was a lineball decision, it wasnt an easy decision … we took quite a considerable amount of time. It got to a point whereby, you know, with my executive powers, I was able to refer it, he said.
We stand by the fact that it was careless, and there was a lack of duty of care.