Schofield penalised but free to play
Will Schofield will be free to play for either West Coast or East Perth this weekend after receiving a reprimand at the WAFL tribunal tonight.
The Eagles defender was found guilty of striking teenage Swans debutant Aidan Anderson at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.
But tribunal chairman Trevor O’Sullivan issued Schofield with a reprimand after hearing evidence from the player, Anderson and reporting umpires Stuart Parry and Trent McPhee.
Schofield will be available to play for the Royals against South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Friday night.
He may also be considered for West Coast when they take on St Kilda at Patersons Stadium on Saturday.
The dashing backman could replace Shannon Hurn who may miss up to six matches after suffering a knee injury in the big win over Melbourne on Sunday.
Schofield has played 94 AFL matches and 48 for Peel and East Perth in the WAFL.
South Fremantle wingman Shaun Bewick was also reprimanded for striking Perth opponent Cameron Manuel at Fremantle Oval last Friday night.
Umpire Justin Orr reported the Bulldog over an incident behind the play in the last term of the game Perth won by five points after trailing by 44 in the first half.
O’Sullivan dismissed a striking charge laid against veteran East Fremantle defender Steven Dodd over his contact with Subiaco’s George Hampson at Geraldton on Saturday.
The three matters were all referred to the tribunal because the absence of clear video footage prevented the WAFL report review panel from assessing each incident and making a potential penalty offer to each player.
