The AFL Tribunal has handed down a three-week suspension to Ryan Nyhuis in a hearing held in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon, with Nyhuis appearing via video link from Perth.
The incident that was assessed involved a tackle that concussed Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray during the third quarter of Sunday’s game against Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium.
Nyhuis was referred directly to the tribunal by Match Review Officer Michael Christian on Monday, with the incident classified as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.
According to the AFL’s tribunal guidelines, all intentional or careless incidents classified as ‘severe impact’ are referred directly to the tribunal and carry a minimum sanction of three matches.
Nyhuis did not testify at the tribunal, with the defender accepting responsibility despite not intending to injure Gray.
The jury of Jason Johnson, Michael Jamison and Wayne Henwood upheld the assessment of severe impact by the MRO and handed down the three-week suspension.
Nyhuis, who has played 10 games at AFL level, will next be available for selection in round 21 when Fremantle face Carlton at Optus Stadium.
Following the hearing, Nyhuis addressed the media.
"It was never my intention to hurt Robbie," Nyhuis said.
"I made sure I went and apologised to him post game and sincerely made sure he was ok.
"I want to thank my counsel and the Fremantle Football Club for their support and I look forward to finishing the year strongly."
