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Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir doesn’t understand why Lance Franklin wasn’t cited over Alex Pearce concussion

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Braden QuartermaineThe West Australian
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir accepts the decision to let Lance Franklin walk over his elbow to the face of Luke Ryan, but remains puzzled as to why the Sydney superstar was not cited over the tackle that concussed fellow defender Alex Pearce.
Camera IconFremantle coach Justin Longmuir accepts the decision to let Lance Franklin walk over his elbow to the face of Luke Ryan, but remains puzzled as to why the Sydney superstar was not cited over the tackle that concussed fellow defender Alex Pearce. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir accepts the decision to let Lance Franklin walk over his elbow to the face of Luke Ryan, but remains puzzled as to why the Sydney superstar was not cited over the tackle that concussed fellow defender Alex Pearce.

Franklin was at the centre of a series of controversial incidents in the Swans’ win over the Dockers on the Gold Coast on Sunday, which also included a heavy bump on Nathan Wilson.

Former Hawthorn hard man Dermott Brereton described Franklin’s swinging elbow as a “considered action” and predicted he was in “real strife”.

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But Franklin had his original one-match ban downgraded to a fine at the tribunal after it was reclassified as careless and low impact.

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“I think the sanction he ended up getting was in line with some of the other incidents this year from my understanding,” Longmuir said.

“So I’ll accept that.”

But asked whether it was his understanding that the tackler was held responsible this season for causing a concussion when forcing an opponent’s head into the ground, Longmuir was less forgiving.

Alex Pearce was concussed.
Camera IconAlex Pearce was concussed. Credit: Albert Perez/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

“I think that’s pretty much the precedent that has been set, yeah,” he said.

“And I feel like the umpires have been really red hot on dangerous tackles this year, and in particular the last two or three weeks.”

Pearce will be missing at a crucial time for the Dockers, as they prepare to face tall trio Jack Riewoldt, Tom Lynch and Mabior Chol when they host Richmond at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

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