Geelong defender Tom Stewart is banned for four AFL matches for a hit on Richmond's Dion Prestia that left the Tigers' midfielder concussed.
Geelong star Tom Stewart will miss the next four AFL games for his high bump on Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia.Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson said the degree of carelessness by Stewart was "high"The AFL Tribunal handed down the suspension on Tuesday night after Stewart was referred directly and did not contest the charge.
Stewart will miss Geelong's games against last-placed North Melbourne, top side Melbourne, fifth-placed Carlton and 12th side Port Adelaide. Prestia was forced out of the game and the ugly incident reignited debate about whether a sin bin or send-off rule is needed in the AFL.Stewart was remorseful and the Cats argued that should count in his favour when it came to the penalty.
The Cats raised Sam Reid's two-game ban and Patrick Dangerfield's three-match suspension last season on rough conduct charges as they argued for a three-game penalty.