Hawks’ Smith Cleared of Bump Charge in AFLW Tribunal Victory
Hawthorn defender Tamara Smith has been cleared of a three-game AFLW suspension following a lengthy tribunal hearing. Smith’s hip-and-shoulder bump, which concussed Geelong’s Kate Surman during their match last Thursday, was deemed not guilty due to inconclusive evidence of high contact. Despite facing a potential historic ban, the tribunal ruled in Smith’s favor, citing that the footage showed only shoulder-to-shoulder impact. As a result, Smith is free to play, while Surman will miss Geelong’s upcoming game against Fremantle.