Xavier Walsh, a forward for Port Adelaide, was given a two-game penalty after taking a high bump in the SANFL season opener.
Following a contact with Riley Holder of Glenelg during last Friday’s game at Stratarama Stadium in the fourth quarter, the league’s Match Review Panel examined the incident and accused Walsh of harsh behavior.
Walsh received a two-game suspension for his acts, which were rated as careless behavior, high contact, and high impact.
Walsh’s suspension will keep him out of the Power’s next two AFL games, which they play against Essendon and Fremantle over the next two weeks, before they play the defending premiers Collingwood in Round 6.
Walsh will also miss Port Adelaide’s next SANFL matches against Woodville-West Torrens and West Adelaide. Walsh will not be eligible to play for the Magpies again until April 27, when Port Adelaide takes on Norwood at Alberton Oval, as the SANFL is on a bye this coming Saturday.
The SANFL’s MRP also charged Lachie Charleson, Walsh’s partner and another rookie for the Power, for making a risky tackle on Tiger Cole Gerloff.
The MRP assessed the occurrence as low impact, high contact, and negligent behavior; as a result, a $125 punishment and a reprimand were imposed.
The Magpies’ next game is scheduled for April 14 in Waikerie against the Bloods. They lost their season opener, 84-150, against Glenelg.
