An update from Jacob van Rooyen's Appeals Board hearing
Will Houghton KC is representing Melbourne and young star Jacob van Rooyen.
He is arguing that rule 18.5.1 is there to protect a player whose sole objective is to either contest the mark or spoil the mark. He says rule 18.5.3 contains a protection or an immunity to the player, when their sole objective is contesting a mark or seeking to spoil a mark, from being charged with a reportable offence.
The rules:
18.5.1: The Player whose sole objective is to contest or spoil a Mark shall be permitted to do so.
18.5.3: Incidental contact in a Marking contest will be permitted if the Player's sole objective is to contest or spoil a Mark.
Houghton argues that van Rooyen spoiled the mark using an outstretched arm and fist to punch the ball away, which should be the end of the matter.