The Headbutt

[dawson]

Two things -

a) I didn't see the incident - What are Barry's chances of getting off or the case being thrown out?

b) If he is guilty - how many weeks are we looking at, given his less than impressive track record.

[robbieando]

1) It was very very soft contact if there was any

2) But because there was contact he'll get 2 weeks because of his record

[Sid]

I agree, Bazza is not loved by the tribunal or umpires and it is likely that he will get a harsh penalty. In my mind, this is quite unfair as he has improved this area of his game by a mile.

Even if it was a guy on the other team was getting harsh penalties simply because of his past behaviour, i would think that it is a bit unfair.

[NMWBloods]

Particularly when you see Fletcher get off after a blatant forearm to the head and given his track record.

[Charlie]

Um... I saw it for the first time tonight on Fox Footy's On The Couch... anyway, I find Hall guilty.

Guilty of being Barry Hall, that is. The only thing that makes that little nudge any different to the type that happen 10 times in any given game is the angle of his head... rather than making contact with the forehead, it was more the crown of his head. Technically, that makes it a headbutt, soft as it was. With his track record he'll go for 2. As much as it sucks, as ridiculous as it is... I think it'll happen.

[Jon]

Looked like a 1 week infringement, but that will blow out to 2-3 weeks due to his record, barring appeal.

It's one of those silly contacts that have become so popular in footy. It happens a lot. Rather than actually "headbutt", the technique is to duck and walk through your opponent brushing the upper chest and chin. I've even seen Willo try it on. Problem for Barry is, he's too tall, and not even ducking can avoid contact with the head!

Better now than leading into a Preliminary final, though! I don't think we'll be needing a letter from Bob Carr begging for clemency a la Dunks in '96 just yet.