UPDATE: Holbrook Football Club has confirmed they will not appeal the five-match ban handed to defender Tim Haines following a tribunal ruling late Monday night. The decision comes after Haines was found guilty of a rough conduct charge that left Osborne player Josh Lloyd with a broken ankle, effectively ending Lloyd’s season.
Churchill expressed his disappointment over the tribunal’s decision, stating that it had sparked significant debate among league officials. Haines, who missed the match against Jindera last weekend, will now be sidelined for the next two home games and the first two matches of the finals series.
This ruling means that if the Brookers advance directly to the grand final, Haines will be ineligible to play in what is expected to be the most pivotal match of the season. However, if they lose in the finals, there remains a chance he could return for a potential grand final appearance.
“We won’t be appealing Tim’s ban. We are definitely disappointed for Tim to get such a lengthy ban,” said Churchill. “But you have to feel for Josh, who is at the backend of his career.”
As Holbrook prepares to face the Billabong Crows this weekend, they will also host the winless Murray Magpies in their final round of the regular season. The Brookers are gearing up for the finals, which coincide with Father’s Day, making this a critical time for the team and their fans.
With the finals series approaching, all eyes are on how Holbrook will adapt without Haines. The emotional toll of the situation is palpable, as Lloyd’s injury affects both his career trajectory and the dynamics within the team. As the Brookers look to solidify their position in the league, the implications of this ban will be felt both on and off the field.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops and the Brookers prepare for their upcoming matches.
