MRP thread 2017

[bornadog]

The camera angle behind Schofield clearly shows the elbow making contact underneath his chin, and at pace. Not sure falling on his lemon was the proportionate response, but it would've hurt nonetheless.

Can't see him getting off that - it was accidental, but contact to the head is undeniable.

Yeah looks pretty bad.

[bornadog]

Schofield cleared to play.

[jeemak]

If Oliver believes he is justified in claiming he was stunned, it would be a new low for player interaction.

After Bugg the prior week with Easton Wood perhaps Melbourne should change their name from Demons to Autumn Leaves.

I understand being competitive on the field, what I don't understand is sheer fakery to gain an advantage. Where's the self respect?

Brent Harvey ruined his entire reputation as a result of four or five years of being "clever" and gaining an "extra advantage" over his opponents due to his on-field conduct.

Players need to understand legacies count for something. Oliver could be a great player, his character has taken a battering early and he should be reflecting on how he will behave in the future.

[bornadog]

I understand being competitive on the field, what I don't understand is sheer fakery to gain an advantage. Where's the self respect?

Brent Harvey ruined his entire reputation as a result of four or five years of being "clever" and gaining an "extra advantage" over his opponents due to his on-field conduct.

Players need to understand legacies count for something. Oliver could be a great player, his character has taken a battering early and he should be reflecting on how he will behave in the future.

Not the first time Oliver has faked it either.

[The Adelaide Connection]

I hope there is a fair bit of backlash around character witnesses for the MRP. What a farce!

[divvydan]

Although it doesn't help us, I'm glad Schofield got off. Houli on the other hand should've got more than 2 weeks. He was found guilty of intentionally striking yet the tribunal only gave him the same number of weeks that he would've got if it was considered careless and he pled guilty. Three should've been that absolute minimum and 4 more reasonable. I know they won't but I would like the AFL to appeal the decision.

[westdog54]

The AFL absolutely should appeal the Houli decision.

Which means the AFL definitely will not appeal the Houli decision.

Whilst I have no doubt that it was significantly out of character, it was a bad one and should have been looked at on its merits.

[Remi Moses]

Imagine if they used Jake Kings character references!
Might have got life

[always right]

Imagine if they had used Chris Grant's character reference when he was robbed of the Brownlow.

[bulldogtragic]

I thought faking was an offence?

[Scraggers]

I thought faking was an offence?

It is ... but the AFL are too spineless to enforce it. That is the whole reason Schofield got suspended in the first place; if they suspend Schofield and he appeals the decision and gets off then justice is seemed to be done. Meanwhile Clayton "Louganis" Oliver gets away with the dive 'scot-free'.

[The Pie Man]

Believe I'll disagree with most of the Schofield one, but the tribunal had an all-round mare last night.

[aker39]

AFL have appealed Houli case

[Topdog]

AFL have appealed Houli case

Wow thats huge

[Doc26]

Interesting to hear the argument being put up by 'friends' of Oliver defending his dive e.g. Schwartz, Lewis. That is, that somehow he would never take a dive because he's such a tough, brave inside player. Personally this correlation is just rubbish. Bit like saying that because Selwood is such a fearless player (which he is) that he would never stoop to dropping his knees or shoulders to make the most of getting a free kick.

From my reckoning Oliver is a very fine talent, who I'd love in our side, but did he make the absolute most out of the Schofield touch to the chin? Absolutely, just like his brethren Bugg would and did against us the week prior.