AFLW coach Daniel Harford says the two-match ban handed to Maria Moloney for a dangerous tackle is “stiff” and questioned what more the Power mid could have done.
Moloney was slapped with the suspension after her tackle left Essendon youngster Lily-Rose Williamson in hospital on Sunday.
Williamson’s head landed awkwardly on the Alberton Oval turf before distressing scenes saw Port skipper Erin Phillips immediately signal to the bench and try to stop play.
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Harford, the Carlton AFLW coach and commentator, has called on the Power to appeal the ban.
“What else would you like the player to do?” he questioned on RSN Radio.
“All she could do Maria was get a hold on her arm … she just held on.
“The ensuing action I think was more from Lily-Rose Williamson than Maria. I think (the ban) is very stiff.
“I’d be challenging that if I were the Power.
“She’s been a great player for them this year Maria Moloney. She’s done a hell of job.
“I don’t know what else what else you would do, what else was unreasonable in that circumstances.”
While Moloney won herself the holding the ball free kick for her actions, there was medical concerns for 18-year-old Williamson.
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Bombers coach Natalie Wood labelled the incident “really traumatic” as medical staff confirmed it was a “neck complaint” for Williamson.
AFL journalist Mark Stevens said the ban was a “concern” for the wider game, given how the tackle was laid.
“I think it’s an issue footy-wide that we are seeing consequences maybe a bit overplayed rather than the action,” he said on RSN Radio.
“Basically one arm was grabbed and (Lily-Rose) sort of put her head down and hit the turf – there wasn’t a sling, there wasn’t a double action – the consequences were obviously a little graphic.
“She’s copped two weeks – I’m not sure what else Maria Moloney could have done in that situation.
“In the wider view of the game, that’s a concern if that’s two weeks.
“I just think it’s a concern if it’s not challenged. That was no fault of the tackler at all to grab the arm.”
