West coast Eagles win overshadowed by Gaff incident
WCEs have won derby 48 by 58 points, leading almost start to finish.
It was gaffs punch that put a docker in hospital that every will remember. Gaff appeared to take a swing at his chest but has connected with his jaw. A move very out of his character and he was remorseful in his post game interview. But unfortunately that won't save him from atleast 3 weeks on the sideline.
I think West Coast will have to go fairly deep into September if Gaff is going to play again this year. If you look at the precedent set by the Jeremy Cameron suspension for his hit on Harriss Andrews - the MRO and tribunal tend to put a lot of weight on the outcome of an incident rather than the intent. Given Brayshaw's season is done after that hit, Gaff is in real strife.
Having said that, it was pretty poor on Gaff's part - a behind the play hit 100m off the ball. He deserves whatever he gets really. If it happened in suburban or country footy, we'd be talking about whether or not he should be charged with assault.
yeah I think his actions are universally condoned. if it were out on the street you'd have to take into account that he was provoked all day and his clean history. suspended sentence. I think he'll accept a 4 week plea
I don't think he'll get the option of accepting an early plea discount. My tip is that it goes directly to the tribunal. Cameron got 5 weeks, and his incident, while crude, was at least an in play action. Gaff was well behind play and given that Brayshaw can't even have solid food again before the finals start, I think Gaff, despite his excellent record, will be dealt with pretty harshly. 6-8 weeks is my prediction.