Goodes's bump 'unacceptable', says Roos - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Goodes's bump 'unacceptable', says Roos

By Greg Buckle 10/06/2008 06:21:15 PM Comments (0)

After dodging suspension three times in the past two seasons, Sydney coach Paul Roos denies dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes is a "protected species" but admits he has been a very naughty boy.

Swans coach Paul Roos conceded he felt Goodes deserved a one-week ban for his head-high bump on West Coast's Adam Selwood in last week's AFL match in Perth.

Goodes was eligible for a reduction for an early guilty plea, lowering the penalty to 93.75 points on the rough conduct charge, meaning he is free to play St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night.

It will be his 203rd consecutive game as radio talkback callers and websites in Melbourne protest about the player Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews earlier this year labelled a "protected species".

Roos says critics should take it up with the system, not the player.

"It probably depends on how you assess the system but it seems reasonably fair," Roos said at the SCG.

"He has been reported and effectively he has been suspended for a game. So if that's being protected, that's being protected.

"The penalty points for last year go after 12 months.

"So I wouldn't be having a go at Adam, if you want to have a go at anyone, have a go at the system.

"If you looked at the three (players banned, Beau Waters, Robert Murphy and Brett Burton) last week and you put it into perspective, a week is an appropriate penalty which is what he got and he happened to have a reduction for an early plea."

In the same week Roos welcomes back former co-captain Barry Hall from a seven-match ban for striking West Coast's Brent Staker, the 2005 premiership coach has now had to counsel Goodes on how to act within the rules.

"I've spoken to him (Goodes) about that today. I think it was an inappropriate action based on what we know about footy and a week would have been an appropriate penalty in my opinion," Roos said.

"He knows it's unacceptable and he needs to modify the way he does those sort of things. He needs to bend down and go and pick up the ball and if he had his time over again that's what he'd do."

But Roos added in defence of Goodes: "He was clearly frustrated by the first centre bounce. He mentioned that to me and you could see why.

"It happens to a lot of players and players from other clubs and so forth, so it's something he needs to deal with and it's something I've spoken to him about.

"The ones off the line are the ones they've worked really hard to make sure they don't happen."

Roos said Hall's suspension had been a "wake-up call" for the former All-Australian.

"He's very remorseful about it and he's really looking forward to getting back and playing and I guess rebuilding his reputation amongst his footy club and his standing within the footy community," Roos said.

Roos rated ruckman Peter Everitt (hamstring) a "50-50" chance to play against the Saints.

Saturday night will be the 500th AFL game for Roos as a player and coach, becoming the 15th member of the exclusive club.

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