YARRAWONGA is weighing up whether to appeal the lengthy ban dished out to Barooga recruit Billy Andrew by the Ovens and Murray tribunal on Wednesday night.
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Andrew was hit with a 12-match ban, which ends his season prematurely, but the Pigeons have until 2pm Friday to lodge an appeal with AFL Victoria.
Pigeons president Scott Jacques said the player, who pleaded not guilty, was crushed by the penalty handed out by the tribunal.
But the offended player, North Albury coach Isaac Muller, who has not missed a game since the June 1 incident, said he was happy with the tribunal outcome.
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Tribunal chairman Wayne Taylor could not be contacted for comment on Thursday.
But league operations manager Greg Dawson said the action which led to the conduct unbecoming charge being laid following a two-week investigation was being kept under wraps.
"It is based mainly around the request of the offended against player, and also the concerns surrounding the welfare of the player (Andrew)," Dawson said.
Jacques confirmed the club was considering an appeal.
"We are still working through the process," Jacques said.
"Our primary concern is for the welfare of the boy.
"He is at rock bottom at the moment.
"I know the tribunal deemed him to be guilty which is a consideration from our end before whether we decide to appeal. Billy will argue that it was unintentional and 12 weeks is a severe penalty."
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