AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) advises that an independent Tribunal sat the previous two nights, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 February, to hear charges from the senior grades Round 17 of the TIO NTFL.
Men’s Premier League
Cameron Stokes, coach of Darwin Buffaloes Football Club appeared before the Tribunal to answer the charge of serious misconduct in the second quarter of the TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League match between Darwin Buffaloes and Waratah Football Club at TIO Stadium on Saturday 12 February 2022.
Upon a review of the evidence, the AFLNT Reporting Officer and Darwin Buffaloes Advocate agreed to change the classification from serious misconduct to using abusive language.
Pursuant to 3.8 (c) in the 2021 State and Territory Tribunal Guidelines, Stokes was able to enter an early guilty plea to the amended charge and did.
In summary, the Tribunal issued Stokes with a two-match penalty given the regrading took place and he pleaded guilty.
Jarrod Stokes of Darwin Buffaloes Football Club appeared before the Tribunal to answer the charge of serious misconduct at half-time of the TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League match between Darwin Buffaloes and Waratah Football Club at TIO Stadium on Saturday 12 February 2022.
Upon review of the evidence, the Tribunal asserted Stokes’ conduct constituted serious misconduct to which Stokes pleaded guilty.
The Tribunal issued Stokes with a two-match suspension.
Murray Liddle of Palmerston Magpies Football Club was charged with using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene behaviour towards an umpire in the third quarter of the TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League match between Palmerston Magpies and Wanderers Football Club at Cazalys Arena on Saturday 12 February 2022.
Liddle was also charged twice with using abusive, insulting or obscene language towards an umpire in the third quarter.
Upon review of the evidence, the Tribunal decided to review all three charges as one incident. Liddle pleaded guilty to the combined charge and the Tribunal issued him with a seven-match suspension.
Desmond Corbett of Palmerston Magpies Football Club was charged with serious misconduct in the fourth quarter of the TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League match between Palmerston Magpies and Wanderers Football Club at Cazalys Arena on Saturday 12 February 2022.
Upon review of the evidence, the Tribunal asserted Corbett’s conduct constituted serious misconduct to which Corbett pleaded guilty.
The Tribunal issued Corbett with a 18-match suspension.
As a result of the suspension, Corbett has been de-registered by the AFL under the National Player and Official Deregistration Policy.
As per the National Player and Official Deregistration Policy, Corbett will be eligible to apply for re-registration no less than 12 calendar months after the date of deregistration.
AFLNT will work with the Palmerston Magpies Football Club to ensure the player’s well-being is supported during this time.
Palmerston Magpies Football Club have issued the following statement:
The Palmerston Magpies Football Club respects the decisions of the Tribunal. It is clear with the number and nature of the offences heard this week that messages need to be sent to all clubs regarding player and spectator conduct on and off the field.
Notwithstanding the tribunal outcome and deregistration of Palmerston player Des Corbett Palmerston Magpies are committed to assisting him and looking after his welfare.
The Palmerston Magpies Football Club have initiated their own Code of Conduct investigation into the weekend’s events and this investigation is continuing. The outcomes of the investigation will be released via our club communications.
AFLNT has zero-tolerance for the threatening and abusive behaviour that was displayed last weekend.
Football is an enjoyable, passionate pursuit and one many people invest their time into. AFLNT offers a safe place for participants to officiate and play the game of AFL and for the community to come and watch. This type of poor conduct is totally unacceptable.
AFLNT understands the community is under immense stress due to the impact of COVID-19, however this is no excuse.
Individuals involved in these incidents need to accept responsibility and the resulting consequences. People who wish to act like this are not welcome at the footy and can expect harsh sanctions imposed by their Club or the League.
AFLNT will continue to be supportive of the wonderful band of Club volunteers and leaders who are proactively working to stamp out poor behaviour.
AFLNT will not provide further comment.
Women’s Premier League
Jeff Lloyd, water carrier of Wanderers Football Club was charged with serious misconduct in the fourth quarter of the TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League match between Palmerston Magpies Football Club and Wanderers at Cazalys Arena on Saturday 12 February 2022.
This case has been deferred due to unavailability of representation and will be heard at the next Tribunal sitting.
Taneisha Wilson of Palmerston Magpies Football Club was charged with rough conduct against #13 of Wanderers Football Club in the fourth quarter of the TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League match between Palmerston Magpies and Wanderers at Cazalys Arena on Saturday 12 February 2022.
Based on the evidence available, it was the view of the Tribunal that the incident should be classified as rough conduct, resulting in a one-week penalty.
Wilson entered a plea of guilty at the first possible opportunity.
In summary, the Tribunal sanctioned Wilson with a one-match penalty.
ENDS
