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Live sport on SN this weekend“Should have got off”: Sheezel weighs in on Archer ban after failed Tribunal bid
Lachlan Geleit • March 19th, 2025 5:38 pm
Harry Sheezel thinks that Jackson Archer should never have been suspended for the collision that knocked out Luke Cleary in Saturday’s Kangaroos v Bulldogs clash.
Archer was initially handed a three-match ban by the MRO for the incident after collecting Cleary high with his knee as the Bulldog tried to pick up a ground ball.
While the Kangaroos argued that Archer was also simply going for the ball and didn’t expect Cleary to go to ground at Tuesday night’s hearing, the ban was upheld by the Tribunal.
Sheezel, who was the closest player to the collision on impact, simply thinks that the collision was an unfortunate football accident and he doesn’t believe that his teammate should have been banned as a result.
“At the time, honestly, I had no idea an incident had happened. I was just eyes on the ball.” Sheezel told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I saw after the umpire stopped the game, Luke was obviously knocked out, which was not great to see, and I hope he's doing alright now. But looking back on it, yeah, it was an unfortunate situation.
“I was a bit away from it and they were both pressing towards the ball … especially Jacko, and we are taught as a defence to press forward and come forward to defend at a good pace.
“I don't think he expected Luke to go to ground. Then by the time (he went to ground) I think he realised that it was a bit too late to pull out and their momentum went into each other.
“Personally, I don't think he should have got suspended.”
While the AFL successfully argued that Archer’s actions were unreasonably rough and careless, Sheezel is of the view that there wasn’t enough time for the Roos defender to slow down and avoid contact given the split-second nature of the contest.
He also believes that Archer was probably unlucky to not receive a ‘below-the-knees’ free kick.
“I think, according to the rules, that he probably should have got a free kick, because he had every right to go for the ball in that situation,” Sheezel said.
“He did, I think, slow down and try to avoid contact and you see him shift his body a little bit.
“Personally, I think he should have got off as did North Melbourne. They made that case last night, which unfortunately didn't get up at the Tribunal.
“I guess the point could be that he was reckless, and he should have shown more duty of care, but I just think it's just so hard as players in those split-second moments to make those decisions.
“I don't think anyone was in the wrong in that situation. Luke had every right to go for the ball, Jackson had every right to go for the ball, and it was just one of those unfortunate situations.”
Sheezel also spoke about Saturday’s loss to the Dogs, the club’s upcoming game against the Demons, his diet, recovery after games and more with Dwayne Russell on SEN Afternoons.
Listen to the full chat here.
