Ty Vickery will miss Richmond’s next four matches after the AFL Tribunal elected to suspend the part-time goal kicker for a hit which left West Coast ruckman Dean Cox with a concussion.
Vickery’s punch across the body during a one-on-one ruck contest late in the second quarter of Friday night’s Richmond 17-point win at Patersons Stadium was sent straight to the tribunal where the 24-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of intentional conduct, severe impact and high contact.
The retiring 204cm Eagles champ fell unconscious to the ground after Vickery swung, connecting with the lower left-side of Cox’s face. The tribunal heard from umpire Jeff Dalgleish and a West Coast medical report, which claimed Cox was left in distress and concussed for 30 seconds.
Vickery’s 43.75 carry-over points resulted in a five-match penalty, but the guilty plea reduced the sentence down to four games; enabling Vickery to make a return ahead of the final Round 23 home and away season schedule.
A remorseful Vickery was grateful to be given a chance to play again before the season wrapped up.
“There’s been a spotlight on it from the media and the wider community, as there should be,” he said Tuesday night.
“When it got referred to the Tribunal, you never know what was going to happen but I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to potentially play again this season.
“I’m very happy that we now have a conclusion to it. I’m able to train hard for the next four weeks and give myself a chance to potentially play in the last round.”
Vickery did not give evidence.
“It does seem that it was a spur of the moment reaction to something that happened previously,” tribunal chairman David Jones said.
“[Vickery] is contrite and remorseful in terms of his actions, and that seems to be very clear. That is genuine on his part.”
Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
