Gold Coast’s Wil Powell has backed the MRO and Tribunal’s decision to ban Melbourne’s Jacob Van Rooyen for two games for striking Suns defender Charlie Ballard.
While Melbourne and Van Rooyen took the ban to the Tribunal, the decision was made to uphold the decision as the spoil gone wrong was still deemed careless and high impact.
Even though many believe Van Rooyen was unlucky to be banned, Powell believes the Demon “got what he deserved” as he didn’t have eyes for the football and collected Ballard high.
“I just think he got it wrong,” Powell replied on SEN WA Breakfast.
“It’s widely covered now that if you make contact with the head and don't make contact with the footy, you're going to be in a bit of trouble.
“I think the MRO is doing a really good job of staying on top of (these incidents) which is perfect.
“He didn't make contact with the footy, didn't have eyes with the footy and smacked Charlie in the side of the head.
“I think he got what he deserved, the MRO is doing a good job.”
As a defender himself, Powell was asked how he’d go about attacking a similar contest where he had to run back to spoil an opponent.
“I'll just keep my eyes on the footy, I think that's the biggest thing,” Powell said.
“You can only do what you can do, but personally, if I went into a contest that way, I'll just try and keep my eyes on the footy as much as possible.”
Melbourne have since decided to challenge the Tribunal’s decision at the AFL Appeal Board.
That hearing is expecting to take place on Thursday at 5pm (AEST).