St Kilda forward Jack Higgins will miss the next three matches after failing to have his suspension overturned or reduced for a hazardous sling tackle.
Higgins pleaded not guilty to the rough conduct allegation at the AFL Tribunal for his tackle on Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir, with St Kilda barrister Adrian Anderson arguing that the 25-year-old’s actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances.
As a secondary argument, Anderson said there were “exceptional and compelling circumstances” that made it inappropriate to impose a three-match ban, given Aliir’s kicking action heavily contributed to the incident.
Anderson said a two-match suspension would be more fitting under those circumstances.
Aliir’s head slammed into the turf after being slung to the ground by Higgins, with the subsequent concussion ruling the Port defender out of Thursday night’s Showdown against Adelaide.
The three-person tribunal panel, led by chair Renee Enbom, deliberated for one hour and 40 minutes before quashing St Kilda’s two lines of argument.
Although Enbom agreed Aliir’s kicking action contributed to his momentum of coming to ground, she said the tackle was unreasonable.
“We find this a clear case of rough conduct,” Enbom said.
“Higgins used a terrible and hazardous approach to tackle Aliir to the ground.
“He grabbed Aliir’s left arm and forced him to the ground.
“Higgins had hold of Aliir’s arm in such a way that Aliir had no or little ability to try to protect himself.”
