I actually don't mind the Houli verdict. He has an exemplary record and I don't think anyone has ever considered him a dirty player. I was thinking it would be 2-3 weeks, simply because the outcome was a KO. The action was intentional, but the outcome wasn't. He was trying to push/punch the bloke and get separation, and probably didn't care much where he got him as long as he got free. It was unlucky/careless that he got him high and on the sweet spot.
What DOES shit me are the ******* character references and all the bullshit attached with that. FOUR character witnesses? Including people not involved with football at any level? Christ almighty, and that's before even going into the references and referees themselves.
Additionally, it's also shitful because the comparison is NATURALLY AND DESERVEDLY made with other punishments. The MRP system as a whole is beyond a joke and specifically implemented in a way for the people behind the scenes to punish, or not punish depending on who you are, based on absolutely horseshit behind the guise of it being a fair and decisive system.
There is ZERO one week penalties as a base sanction. ZERO. They start at 2 and get reduced to one on a guilty verdict. That tells you everything you need to know. Christ I hate the bullshit bureaucracy in the AFL. It kills my joy in the game and I have no doubt countless others feel the same way. Whether it's MRP, scheduling, fixture, favouritism, draft concessions, rule altering, financing, you name and they will **** it.
I need a drink.
Another one.
Oh and Clayton oliver can go **** himself, and I'm sure from now on that plenty of players will be willing to lend a hand to get his body to contort in the required manner.