Hearing set for tomorrow afternoonHAWTHORN will appeal the two-match ban handed down to Lance Franklin at the AFL Tribunal last night.
Franklin failed to beat a charge of rough conduct that came about from his bump on Richmond's Ben Cousins at the weekend.
The Hawks' brains trust will appeal on the 'basis that there was an error in law and that no tribunal acting reasonably could have reached this verdict on the evidence before it'.
As it stands, Franklin will miss the Hawks' virtual elimination final against Essendon this weekend and, if the ninth-placed Hawks win and replace the eight-placed Bombers, also the first week of the finals.
Franklin told the waiting media throng last night that he was devastated at the tribunal's decision.
"I'm very devastated; I'd love to be out there with the boys this weekend and the weekend after," he said.
The appeals board will lend an ear to the Hawks at 5.30pm tomorrow.
Betts, Garlett no certainties to returnMEANTIME, Carlton coach Brett Ratten has warned suspended pair Eddie Betts and Jefferey Garlett that they are no certainties to return to the Blues' line-up after this weekend.
The pair, along with team-mate Cameron Cloke were suspended by the club after arriving late for a compulsory recovery session on Sunday morning following the Blues' win over Melbourne on Saturday.
The suspension means they will be unavailable for selection for Carlton's crucial match with Adelaide this weekend, the result to determine if the Blues, playing in the finals for the first time in eight years, can secure a home final.
"Chris Yarran might make it harder for Garlett and Betts, so it will be interesting," a cryptic Ratten said today.
Incidentally, Betts and Garlett were among the Blues' best in their 57-point win over the Demons. In fact, Garlett booted a career-best 4.1.
Ratten added that the players are remorseful over their behaviour and they are aware of how disappointed the club is with the situation.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Last Modified on 26/08/2009 21:23