12:52:29 PM Wed 30 April, 2003
afl.com.au
Injured Richmond forward Matthew Richardson has come to the defence of reported team mate Greg Stafford, claiming his treatment in the media was unwarranted.
Stafford was cited on video for striking Hawthorn’s Peter Everitt during Richmond’s comeback win on Saturday. Everitt suffered a fractured cheekbone when the pair contested a ball-up during the second quarter.
Richardson told afl.com.au he was confident about Stafford’s prospects at the tribunal.
“He seems to be tried and convicted before he’s gone up. I don’t think that’s the right way to go about things,” Richardson said. “I’m pretty sure the right result will happen at the tribunal.”
“I think he’s being treated a little bit harshly. I do. I think it’s a little bit stiff.”
Richardson’s comments follow on from those assistant coach Greg Hutchison, who told reporters on Monday before the charge had been laid that the clash was nothing more than a genuine ruck contest that happens ’30-35 times a game’.
“Greg Stafford was just merely trying to contest the ball when it was in the air and he’s got eyes on the ball. That’s what ruckman do, they run and jump into each other,” Hutchison said.
afl.com.au
Injured Richmond forward Matthew Richardson has come to the defence of reported team mate Greg Stafford, claiming his treatment in the media was unwarranted.
Stafford was cited on video for striking Hawthorn’s Peter Everitt during Richmond’s comeback win on Saturday. Everitt suffered a fractured cheekbone when the pair contested a ball-up during the second quarter.
Richardson told afl.com.au he was confident about Stafford’s prospects at the tribunal.
“He seems to be tried and convicted before he’s gone up. I don’t think that’s the right way to go about things,” Richardson said. “I’m pretty sure the right result will happen at the tribunal.”
“I think he’s being treated a little bit harshly. I do. I think it’s a little bit stiff.”
Richardson’s comments follow on from those assistant coach Greg Hutchison, who told reporters on Monday before the charge had been laid that the clash was nothing more than a genuine ruck contest that happens ’30-35 times a game’.
“Greg Stafford was just merely trying to contest the ball when it was in the air and he’s got eyes on the ball. That’s what ruckman do, they run and jump into each other,” Hutchison said.
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