Fremantle‘s Patrick Voss is set for a stint on the sidelines after the key forward was hit with a three-match ban for an ugly strike on Richmond‘s Nick Vlastuin.
Voss attempted to make a tackle on his rival in the fourth term of the Dockers’ 61-point win over Richmond on Sunday when he landed a swinging arm to the face of Vlastuin.
The club attempted to have the ban overturned at the AFL tribunal, but their attempt was unsuccessful.
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Nick Vlastuin of the Tigers is injured by Patrick Voss of the Dockers. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Freo attempted to argue the impact down from severe to high, using evidence from a plastic and reconstructive surgeon as part of their case.
The Tigers defender was left bloodied on the turf with a broken nose and eventually forced to leave the field with team medics.
The incident was graded as severe impact, high contact, and careless conduct by the match review officer, who confirmed a three-match ban.
Richmond coach Adem Yze dismissed suggestions that there may have been malice or intent behind the tackle when he provided an update on his player post-match.
“His nose is a bit crooked but that’s the game,” Yze said of Vlastuin’s injury post-match.
“He’s a tough player and puts his head in places that he probably shouldn’t.
Nick Vlastuin of the Tigers goes off injured. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“He passed all of (the concussion tests) so it was just a blood rule. He’s got a bit of a shiner but he’ll be OK.”
The young star will be ineligible for selection until the club faces Collingwood on May 8.
Vlastuin is not expected to miss any time and will train this week at Tigerland.
