JAMES KELLY SCRATCHED FOR TWO MATCHES; JOEL REYNOLDS' SEASON OVER; MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES MODEST CLIMB
Ben Jensen 13 March 2007

By Ben Jensen JAMES KELLY has accepted a two match suspension from the AFL for 'rough conduct' against Brisbane Lion Jed Adcock in the NAB Cup semi final loss on Friday night. Kelly was charged with engaging in rough conduct during for his high hit during the third quarter.

The AFL Match Review Panel assessed the incident as reckless conduct (two activation points), medium impact (two points), high contact (two points). A total of six points translates to 325 demerit points and a 'level three' offence and a three match suspension. The early plea earned Kelly a 25 per cent discount, and the two match suspension. He will keep 43.75 demerit points on his record for the next twelve months.

JOEL REYNOLDS' SEASON OVER

MEANWHILE Joel Reynolds' first season with the Cats is over before it officially started. Reynolds, on Geelong's rookie list after spending his first five seasons at Essendon, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the VFL practice match on Sunday against Williamstown.

Reynolds, grandson of Essendon legend Dick, played 38 games with the Bombers including 11 least season, primarily in the forward line.

Whilst many a player has suffered such an injury and returned to the highest level, Reynolds will be 23 in June and hence ineligible for rookie listing in 2008. Having not had a chance to prove himself with the Cats at senior level, his chances of being elevated or drafted onto a full AFL list are slim.

INJURY LIST AND MEMBERSHIP

OTHER CASUALTIES from the weekend's matches were defender Josh Hunt (knee soreness) and Tim Callan (sprained foot). Tom Hawkins and Paul Chapman are both now off the injury list, however.

INJURY LIST (UPDATED)

GEELONG'S MEMBERSHIP rose another 600 during the week, up to 23,321 from 22,721 punters. The Cats need another 8,970 members to reach the target of 32,291.