”He was stiffed to the Max”

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG coach Mark Thompson defended the actions of suspended backman Max Rooke after he copped a onematch penalty from the AFL match review committee this week.
Rooke’s good record and an early plea over making forceful contact to Adelaide captain Mark Ricciuto’s head saved him another week on the sidelines.
Thompson felt circumstances had conspired to rub Rooke out and the club had little option but to accept the decision.
“I just think it’s one of those incidents when so many things happen in a game, so many players are around and it’s played at such great speed, sometimes you can be stiff,” Thompson said.
“Look, we’ve accepted the one week.
“We don’t think (Max) did much wrong. He tried to pull out but unfortunately there was contact to the head.
“That’s the rule now and that’s the way the tribunal or the review committee have seen it.”
Thompson was adamant the rule concerning incidental contact to the head should be reviewed.
However, he refused to take up the matter with umpires’ advisor Jeff Gieschen in the past week.
“I don’t think it’s up to Giesch, really,” Thompson said.
“It’s something that after the year the rule has been in place that they might review it, and they probably should because there seems to be controversy over a few incidents happening.”
Thompson ruled out bringing in rugged defender David Johnson to replace Rooke after missing three weeks with a calf injury.
Ruckman Steve King was expected to return to action in a fortnight following Geelong’s splitround bye next week.
Thompson said his former skipper was still a part of the Cats’ 2007 premiership plans despite Mark Blake and Brad Ottens taking control in the ruck.
“He’s up and running, kicking and we’re looking forward to having him come back soon,” Thompson said.
Geelong has soared to the top of the AFL ladder following Sunday’s tough eightpoint victory over the Crows in Adelaide.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround in form from six weeks ago.
The Cats held a 23 win/loss record and showed signs of repeating last year’s dismal earlyseason performance, again.
Geelong meets outofform Brisbane Lions at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.
“It was a good win on the weekend but we play Brisbane this week and we know that any side on any day can beat another, regardless,” Thompson said.
We just have to play at the same standard every game and opportunity that we get.”