Richmond v Sydney: Nick Vlastuin banned for elbow, Lance Franklin escapes suspension

Michael Di Lonardo

Richmond v Sydney: Nick Vlastuin banned for elbow, Lance Franklin escapes suspension image

Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin has been offered a one-game ban for throwing an elbow at Sydney's Luke Parker in their Thursday night clash at Etihad Stadium, however Swans star Buddy Franklin has escaped with a misconduct fine.

After being caught holding the ball, Vlastuin was provoked by Parker who gave him a mouthful, prompting him to dish out an elbow to the face of his rival in a tense affair in Melbourne.

Parker eventually kicked a goal from a 50-metre penalty, but it was the Tigers who had the last laugh with a 26-point victory to put them four points clear in first place.


Meanwhile, Franklin has been forced to fork out $1500 after AFL match reviewer Michael Christian deemed his elbow to Alex Rance's throat was misconduct, not striking.

The pair went toe-to-toe in an exciting match-up that brought out the best of attack and defence in both superstars.

Tiger David Astbury can also accept a $1500 fine for misconduct against Tom McCartin.

 

Michael Di Lonardo

Michael Di Lonardo Photo