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Important SN update for SouthlandWhateley: The MRO, Carlton and St Kilda all did the right thing
Gerard Whateley • July 1st, 2025 1:10 pm
It seemed like everyone did their job yesterday, from the MRO to the Carlton President and St Kilda’s list bosses.
Michael Christian used the safeguards built into the judicial system to escalate an ugly incident with maximum culpability but minimal outcome to the Tribunal in search of the biggest suspension of the season.
If the AFL has its way Tom Lynch will be hit with a five-match ban.
And being made to front the jury ensures a level of accountability beyond just accepting a prescribed ban.
The Tribunal will test whether the rules allow for such a substantial rise in penalty on the grounds of potential to cause injury.
Only the most one-eyed Richmond supporters will disagree… and I’m sure you will.
Lynch has a bigger issue beyond this ban, and that’s to rediscover his place in footy.
He hasn’t made the transition to the greater purpose of leading a young team with whom he won’t enjoy success.
Blues do the right thing
Carlton President Rob Priestley did precisely what needed to be done – removing any possibility that a sacking was imminent while emphasising that the last eight weeks of a season can’t be wasted.
He made no empty promises or false guarantees about the future beyond 2025.
He promised calm, rational and measured decisions and that’s exactly what is needed.
Carlton needs change – what that change looks like is the remit of Graham Wright and now is not the time.
There’s no need for a formal review because Wright has been doing this work since December. He should well know by now and have a blueprint ready when he takes the CEO role on August 15.
Until then everyone can guess.
The modern obsession is the coaching position, but that is only one of several considerations… and I think the canny Carlton fan knows this.
The Blues boss essentially said the world is not about to end - now get to work - and that should calm coaches and players alike.
Saints prioritise Nas
If you read the tealeaves, St Kilda prioritised the retention of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera over the acquisition of Miles Bergman.
It’s a subjective call whether you think 'Nas' or Bergman will be the prized long-term asset but the principle to retain what you have has to be the primary consideration at the Saints.
It’s no good bringing in shiny new assets if your best prospect walks out the door.
But if you are a neutral club, who would you take for the duration? Wanganeen-Milera? Or Bergman? Who is a completely changed proposition over the past eight weeks.
Curious case of Fyfe
And then there’s the curious case of an all-time great.
Fremantle has given Nat Fyfe every chance to get back into this side for one more finals run.
Weirdly on Sunday he injured his calf while warming up as the sub and couldn’t be used.
He’s 33, has played four games for the season, and now a moderate grade calf strain will sideline him for up to four weeks.
Leaving you to wonder if this is the end for a modern day champion...
