UPDATE: The Holbrook Football Club has confirmed that it will not appeal the five-match ban imposed on defender Tim Haines following a tribunal ruling last night. Haines was found guilty of a rough conduct charge stemming from an off-the-ball incident that left Osborne player Josh Lloyd with a broken ankle, effectively ending his season.
The tribunal’s decision has sparked widespread debate across league circles, highlighting the severity of the punishment. Haines has already served one week of his suspension during the match against Jindera last weekend. He is now set to miss the final two home-and-away matches, as well as the first two finals games at Walbundrie.
The implications are significant. If the Brookers secure a spot in the finals, Haines will be ineligible for the crucial championship match. Conversely, if the team loses, he may still have a chance to return for a potential grand final, should the Brookers advance past the preliminary round.
Anthony Churchill, president of Holbrook, expressed disappointment over the lengthy ban but stated the club is focused on the upcoming matches. “We won’t be appealing Tim’s ban,” Churchill confirmed. “We are definitely disappointed for Tim to get such a lengthy ban. We are disappointed with the result… but that is the way football is these days. But you have to feel for Josh, who is at the backend of his career. He has gone out to Osborne to win a flag, and that has now been taken away from him.”
Looking ahead, Holbrook will face the Billabong Crows this weekend before concluding the season against the winless Murray Magpies in the final round. The Brookers will also host a key Sunday final during the second week of the finals, coinciding with Father’s Day on September 10, 2023.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the Brookers adapt to the absence of Haines and their performance in the critical final matches. Fans and supporters are eager to see how this unfolding drama impacts the team’s championship aspirations.
