AFLW: Najwa Allen suspension update

Allen was charged with rough conduct during the match against the Bulldogs

Adelaide has chosen not to appeal defender Najwa Allen’s three-game suspension handed down by the AFLW Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Allen was charged with rough conduct for an incident involving Western Bulldogs forward Kirsten McLeod in the first quarter of Friday’s win at Norwood Oval.

The Match Review Officer graded the incident as careless high contact with severe impact, and the Club’s legal counsel unsuccessfully argued for the classification to be downgraded from severe.

Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said after exploring a number of avenues, the Club accepted the sanction, albeit strongly maintained a two-game ban would have been more appropriate.

“Firstly, it goes without saying player welfare must always be the top priority and we send our best wishes to Kirsten McLeod with her recovery,” Harper said.

“We also acknowledge the delicate nature of concussion, as well as the current industry landscape.

“However, we are very disappointed at the three-game penalty, which equates to a third of the season, and how in practical terms that compares to other incidents across the AFL and AFLW.

“While we absolutely accept the incident warranted a penalty, we firmly believe it was an innocuous football action, with incidental contact and it was never Najwa’s intention to cause harm.”