- Jun 22, 2008
- 24,580
- 21,286
- AFL Club
- Geelong
The view from behind the goals is the least conclusive, actually, because it doesn't show at all the speed with which Lloyd ran off the centre square line directly at the man. In fact, that angle lulls you into a false sense of thinking that he wasn't moving much at all. Actually, if you had the view from the wing, as the usual member's side cameras did and I did at the game from the opposite wing on the southern side, you would see that Lloyd has run full tilt off his line to impact the contest.
Now, you can say that he had no way of knowing that Sewell would be there when he set off, so it's hard to prove premeditated "intentional conduct", as per the rule, despite the facts that Sewell had dominated in the first half and the TV had just shown Lloyd revving up the boys after the half time break with a big spray. Nevertheless, it is reckless, at the very least, to run full pelt like that into a pack where most players are looking at the ball.
The level of contact is where he might be able to argue. If the MRP do go with "severe contact", Lloyd might be able to plea-bargain down to high. If that happens, it's a six-weeker with a plea down to four. Anything lower than that would be a complete travesty.
I wouldn't agree with this as it is the only view that shows Lloyd thrust his right shoulder out.
Anyway, whatever his intentions, Hawthorn's season is over and Lloyd's actions changed the game and got his team into the finals. Took one for the team knowing the likely outcome, great captaincy.