Kangaroos to challenge Jackson Archer suspension at tribunal

North Melbourne has appealed the three-match suspension handed to Jackson Archer for his serious collision with Luke Cleary, and the debate surrounding the incident continues intensely. The Kangaroos are scheduled to appear before the tribunal on Tuesday evening, which is expected to be a long night of hearings.

Hawthorn has also chosen to appeal the three-match suspension for defender James Sicily, while Richmond will appeal the one-match suspension given to Tom Lynch for striking Carlton's Tom De Koning. Bulldogs defender Cleary was concussed after a knee-to-head collision with Archer during Saturday night's game at Marvel Stadium, but former club captain Bob Murphy believes the collision should not result in Archer's suspension.

Murphy stated on Monday, "It's hard to tell because there weren't many replays on the night, but my initial thought was that it was just an unfortunate accident. We're lucky we get to watch it in slow motion, the question is whether the tribunal thinks he had another option, and they might think he did. There was absolutely no malice, and you don't want to see players miss games for that sort of thing. But ultimately, that might be the case."

However, not everyone sees the incident the same way as Murphy and the Kangaroos. Former AFL Women's player Abbey Holmes said on Channel Seven: "Archer didn't change his speed. Coming into the contest when you can see a player is already down on a knee chasing a ground ball, for me, the duty of care is what was lacking." Former Geelong captain Joel Selwood added that the situation was difficult to judge because the game "happens so fast." "If Archer could have his time again, he would pull up. He had the situation under control and had support around him. Our game is so tough, but we can't have players doing that."

Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore, who captained the side in Marcus Bontempelli's absence due to injury, did not want to get involved in the debate. Liberatore said, "To be honest, I haven't really thought about it too much. My main concern is with Luke, and it's up to the match review panel." Liberatore stated that while uncertainty remains about how to judge accidental collisions, he is "very clear" on how to approach contests.

The tough veteran stated that Cleary has recovered well from the "very nasty collision" with Archer. Liberatore said, "He stayed in hospital on Saturday night, and I touched base with his family and touched base with him. He's in (the club) today, and he's actually tracking along really well."