PerthNorg

Fremantle open 2008 tribunal account

The Dockers have taken the first step in retaining the 'Dirtiest Team' crown that it has secured for the past two seasons.  Heath Black has shown that the culture at the club had not improved as he opened the Dockers tribunal account by abusing umpire Stephen McBurney during a NAB cup match last weekend.  Black is facing a $900 fine should he accept the charge.  The Dockers squandered a 21 point lead to lose the match by 37 points to the Kangaroos.

Black has a history of anger management issues both on and off the field.  He has been charged nine times during his career and found guilty seven times.  In the 2007 season Black was charged and found guilty twice.  In January 2006, Black was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, obstructing police officers, and assaulting a public officer when he struck an off-duty police officer at the Perth Cup.

The Fremantle Dockers were the most reported team in AFL in 2007 by a clear margin of more than 50% over the second most reported team (Collingwood).  In 2007, 26 players were reported and 24 were found guilty.  Players were suspended for a total of 17 matches and fines of $17,100 imposed.

On field indiscretions appear to be the Dockers modus operandi as it was also the most reported club of the 2006 season.  Fremantle look headed for hat-trick with serial offenders Jeff Farmer and Josh Carr taking the field in 2008.  Essendon recruit Mark Johnson will also not help Fremantle's cause.

In 2007, Dockers convictions included eye-gouging, foot-stomping, kneeing, making forceful front-on contact, attempted tripping, striking and rough contact.