AFL fans furious as Jackson Archer cops three-week suspension

The AFL world has been left stunned after North Melbourne youngster Jackson Archer was slapped with a three-week suspension for his collision with Western Bulldogs defender Luke Cleary on Saturday.

The fourth-quarter incident, in which Cleary was knocked unconscious after an accidental clash with Archer’s knees, sparked heated debate, with many arguing Archer had no alternative in his pursuit of the ball.

The AFL’s Match Review Officer graded the clash as careless conduct, severe impact, and high contact, leading to the hefty ban.

Outraged fans and media personalities have shared their thoughts online, calling the decision a “disgrace” and a “nail in the coffin” for the sport.

3AW’s Shane McInnes defended Archer, saying he was simply contesting the ball and there was little else he could have done.

Despite Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge suggesting post-match that Archer had no case to answer, the AFL pointed to his failure to slow down and a breach of his “duty of care” as justification for the ban.

The Kangaroos are expected to challenge the suspension at the Tribunal in a bid to have it reduced.

The controversy overshadowed the Bulldogs’ 16-point season-opening win, with star performances from Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore, and Bailey Dale helping the undermanned side to victory.

Meanwhile, North’s Nick Larkey shone with five goals, but the debate over Archer’s fate continues to rage on.

The Kangaroos will be looking to turn their season around when they face Melbourne on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, with top online bookmakers paying for Alastair Clarkson’s men to $3 to beat the Dees.

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