The North small-forward received a free kick for a push in the back, with the Match Review Panel deeming there was sufficient contact made to constitute the decision, despite Thomas propelling himself forward.
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Meanwhile, Geelong midfielder Steve Johnson has been offered a one-game ban for kneeing Scott Thompson.
The incident occurred midway through the first quarter as the two were involved in a scuffle inside the Geelong forward 50.
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Here’s how the Match Review Panel assessed both incidents:
Contact between the Geelong Cats’ James Kelly and North Melbourne’s Lindsay Thomas from the third quarter of Saturday’s game was assessed. Thomas had the ball kicked to him by teammate Ben Cunnington. As Thomas prepares to approach the ball, Geelong’s Kelly places a hand on Thomas’ back. A free kick was paid at the time for a hands-in-the-back infringement, which has been judged by the umpiring department to be a correct decision. It was the view of the panel that while Thomas propelled himself forward after the initial contact by Kelly, there had been contact to his back. No further action was taken.
Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, has been charged with a Level One Misconduct (kneeing) Offence for Kneeing Scott Thompson, North Melbourne, during the first quarter of the Round 19 match between the Geelong Cats and North Melbourne, played at Etihad Stadium on Saturday August 2, 2014.
In summary, due to his previous poor record, his one-match sanction must remain at one match, even with an early plea.
Based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the North Melbourne Football Club, the incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of four activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level One Offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction. He has an existing bad record of six matches suspended within the last two years, increasing the penalty by 40 per cent to 175 demerit points and a one-match suspension. He also has 75.71 demerit points carried over from within the last 12 months, increasing the penalty to 250.71 points and a two-match sanction. An early plea reduces the sanction by 25 per cent to 188.03 points and a one-match sanction.
