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Dockers leap to the top of the tribunal table

The Fremantle Dockers have leapt to the top of the AFL tribunal table in 2008 with former Bombers thug Dean Solomon being charged with a level one rough conduct offence after colliding with Collingwood's Shane Wakelin at the MCG on Saturday.

Solomon's previous bad record means that he cannot escape with a reprimand even if he pleads guilty.  Solomon has visited the AFL tribunal 8 times in his career including a visit in 2007 for kneeing.

Solomon is the second Docker to have been charged in 2008 as the Dockers make an attempt for the dirtiest team trifecta.   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.