Im glad for you Crows supporters that Biglands got off as I think he's a good player - but he shouldn't have.
I'm a Collingwood supporter, but most of you would know that I'm one who tries not to be totally biased (I thought I would preface the following comments with that fact, so you all know that I am a Magpie and you can't say I'm bitter).
Let's flash back to the 2002 preliminary final - Collingwood v Adelaide.
Jason Cloke wacks Tyson Edwards in the head. Edwards, who was playing quite well at the time, falls and plasters his nose all over the MCG.
Apart from the fact that Adelaide supporters claimed at the time it stopped their team's momentum, Cloke was reported for reckless contact.
For mine, Biglands' contact with Petrie was very similar to Cloke's on Edwards.
round arm connecting with side of face in an attempt to spoil the ball a little too late.
Biglands gets no games and a two minute tribunal hearing.
Cloke misses grand final, and I think first game of opening round of last season.
These decisions say nothing about the players or their clubs - neither are thugs. But, to me, what it really does highlight is the inconsistency of the AFL tribunbal.
A) If a player is injured the tribunal will look at it more dimly...
B) Finals are apparently treated differently when considering the illegality of offences.
At the time I was a little disgusted that Cloke got games, I am now further disgusted that the inconsistency of the AFL tribunal has allowed another player to get off scott free for a very similar incident.
It's time to get it right.
*find faults, blast me, whatever - but this is just one sportsfan's opinion.