AFL hands down Crows penalty

16 Adelaide Crows players have been handed a suspended one-match ban after being found guilty of breaking COVID- 19 training protocols.

Assistant coach Ben Hart has been stood down from coaching duties for six-weeks starting from this date and will not be able to access the club or it's facilities until June 22.

An AFL statement read: The investigation found the players had been compliant with the protocols for the majority of a two-hour training session where they had worked in pairs before separating into two larger groups of eight – one group to complete an 8-minute kicking drill, one group to complete an 8-minute running drill in pairs, before swapping. The kicking drill was supervised by assistant coach Ben Hart which is where the breach occurred. 

AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillion said that the breach was not designed to create a competitive advantage.

“We all have a very clear responsibility to ensure we do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus. The protocols are clear and the actions in this matter, whilst not pre-planned, are a breach of them.” 

“We take this matter extremely seriously. We will not compromise the health and well-being of the community, and remind everyone in the industry – players, coaches, officials and staff - that they have a responsibility to adhere to the rules for the safety of everyone in the community.” 

The Adelaide players who have received suspended one match sanction:

1. Kyle Hartigan, 2. William Hamill 3. Ayce Taylor, 4. Ben Davis, 5. Lachlan Sholl, 6. Jordon Butts, 7. Lachlan Gollant, 8. Ronin O'Connor, 9. Ben Keays, 10. Fischer McAsey, 11. Joshua Worrell, 12. William Frampton, 13. Tom Doedee, 14. Elliott Himmelberg, 15. Myles Poholke, 16. Lachlan Murphy.

IMAGE: FILE