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Star West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass offered one-week ban for dangerous tackle on Michael Walters

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
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VideoThe West Coast star had a big win on the field and off it too.

West Coast defender Tom Barrass has been handed a one-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Fremantle star Michael Walters in the final term of western derby 58 on Saturday night.

Walters was paid a free kick after Barrass caught the veteran Docker in a tackle and spun him nearly 360 degrees, with his head hitting the turf.

The small forward played out the game with no immediate ill affects, but Barrass was handed a ban for rough conduct after it was deemed to be careless, medium impact and high contact.

It comes less than a week after Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron got off at the tribunal for a similar incident with Melbourne’s Jake Lever.

Cameron’s tackle was graded the same as Barrass’ and he pleaded guilty, but the impact was downgraded to low impact because of “exceptional and compelling circumstances”.

Tom Barrass and Brady Hough of the Eagles check the RAC Derby Trophy.
Camera IconTom Barrass and Brady Hough of the Eagles check the RAC Derby Trophy. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

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The two-time All-Australian’s clean record was taken into account by the tribunal when downgrading the severity of the impact.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson cheekily referenced Cameron’s tribunal win when asked about the incident post-game.

“I didn’t catch it all. So I can’t really comment on it. I hope he gets off. He’s a good guy,” Simpson said.

If Barrass is suspended he will miss the Eagles’ clash with Gold Coast at People First Stadium.

The Cameron ruling bodes well for Barrass who has never been suspended in his 138-game career.

Barrass was last cited by the MRO last year when he was fined for striking North Melbourne’s Charlie Comben.

West Coast fans have taken to social media to defend Barrass and are mocking the “good guy” defence, while also calling for the defender to be let off the suspension.

The Eagles will likely decide on Monday if they’re going to challenge the suspension or not.

Greater Western Sydney stars Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan have also been handed one-match bans for rough conduct and striking respectively.

Greene was cited for a high bump in a marking contest against Blue Jordan Boyd in the fourth quarter, which was deemed intentional, low impact and high contact.

Hogan got handed a suspension for striking Lewis Young in the same term, which was deemed careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.

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