AFL 2023; Sydney will defend co-captain Dane Rampe over off-the-ball hit

Sydney coach John Longmire says the AFL “can‘t legislate against everything” after the club opted to take co-captain Dane Rampe’s two-week ban for an incident which resulted in a concussion for Western Bulldog Lachie McNeil suspension to the tribunal.

Rampe copped a two-match suspension for an off-the-ball incident involving McNeil last Thursday night, which graded as careless conduct, high impact and high contact. The collision came at the edge of the centre square, a long way from the ball and McNeil stayed down in some pain, but played out the game.

On Monday afternoon the Bulldogs confirmed McNeil was winded in the incident, and then was diagnosed with “delayed signs of concussion” after the match and would miss at least this week’s clash with Essendon.

While conscious of the league crackdown on all incidents which result in an injury, Longmire said it was a “football action” and went a long way towards explaining why the club felt that was on Monday

“We understand it being looked at but every incident is different,” he said.

“The Bulldogs player was leading at the ball, pointing a the ball, a left-footer wad coming out to kick it to him and Dane was doing what he needs to do which is get in a position to get up the ground and spoil.

“It was a last-minute change of direction and unfortunately accidents happen. These things do happen in a game, and you have to look at it closely and in the contest of the decision that was being made.

“In a 360 degree sport these things happen.”

Without saying a two-match ban was too harsh, Longmire said the incident needed a closer look from those dishing out penalties.

“We understand where the game is going with all this and we are certainly supportive, Butt it’s very hard to legislate against everything,” he said.

“And when you look at this in its entirety and it’s context …. It’s just one of those things hat can happen.

“Dane was doing what he should be doing. The most important thing is the player is OK, but once again, these things happen in a game of footy.”

Longmire said the Swans were hopeful of getting midfield star Chad Warner back for Saturday’s clash with Fremantle and veteran superstar Lance Franklin was also expected to make what could be his final trip to Perth.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ70qmmq6xflrOte9Kym6edqWLAuK3NrGSanJGirq%2FAjJymnJmgqa6quoydmKedXaeurrzEZpuinF2jvLW0yKeeZq%2BipLuoecinZKielmLBqbGMm5ilpF2YvK24yKygqKZfo7K4v4ysq6iqqWSupoSQam2fnJFohXODw5pnbnFoaH6jgsKfnWpuk5uycQ%3D%3D