Port's Brogan evades AFL suspension - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Port's Brogan evades AFL suspension

By Daniel Brettig 09/06/2006 08:42:04 PM Comments (0)

Port Adelaide ruckman Dean Brogan has evaded suspension for his alleged punch of a Crows fan at Adelaide Airport last weekend.

The Power has announced it had decided to fine Brogan $5,000, the maximum cash penalty allowed under the players code of conduct, but left him available to play.

It will also require Brogan to complete 20 hours of community service through Port's youth program.

Port officials also revealed they had previously counselled and cautioned Brogan for a separate incident seven months ago, which was investigated at the time by police without any charges being laid.

Brogan was a conspicuous absentee from the Power's final training session on Friday before Sunday's AFL meeting with Hawthorn.

He allegedly punched Dale Mortimer during an altercation at Adelaide Airport on Saturday, after being labelled a "d***head" by Mortimer.

He has since been reported by South Australian police for assault that causes harm, and made a public apology.

Brogan's absence left Port coach Mark Williams crankily evading questions at his post-training press conference.

Williams denied the Power had suspended Brogan and also said - in contradiction of the later fine - that he didn't think the club should punish the 27-year-old for tarnishing its image.

Williams said Brogan was no certainty to play against the Hawks because he was currently suffering from `flu, but acknowledged his importance to Port's structure.

"(Brogan has been) crook actually, so unfortunately he's got some sort of flu or something like that," he said.

"He's been wonderful, he hasn't played too many games this year and certainly the ones he's played we've won, so we're hopeful he can play."

In a week when Port legend Gavin Wanganeen was forced into retirement due to injury, Williams said Brogan and his teammates had focused solely on preparation for their match-up with the hesitant Hawks.

"Dean is all about making sure he plays well and his preparation is as good as it can be, and if he's fit to play I'm sure he'll play well," he said.

"He's dealt with it very well."

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