The Tribunal: Rhys-Jones

David Rhys-Jones is famous for many things, but two stand-out – his Norm Smith Medal in 1987, and his reputation for being a fiery customer out on the field.

Below, we have tracked his tribunal record during his stay at Carlton:

Game
Charge
Victim
Club
Penalty


1985 Night Series
Striking
Shane McGrath
Hawthorn
Not Guilty


Round 10, 1985
Striking
Michael Tuck
Hawthorn
Not Guilty


Round 17, 1985
Striking
Roger Merrett
Essendon
Guilty – 1 week


Grand Final, 1986
Striking
Gary Ayres
Hawthorn
Guilty – 2 weeks


1987 Battle of Britain
Striking
Donald McDonald
North Melbourne
Guilty – 1 week


Round 1, 1987
Unduly Rough Play
TBA
Hawthorn
Not Guilty


Round 5, 1987
Striking
Neil Clarke
Essendon
Not Guilty


Round 5, 1987
Striking
Paul Salmon
Essendon
Not Guilty


Round 11, 1987
Striking
Peter Giles
Melbourne
Guilty – 2 weeks


Round 11, 1987
Striking
Robert Flower
Melbourne
Guilty – 2 weeks


Round 16, 1987
Striking
Chris Lewis
WCE
Guilty - $5000 fine


Round 5, 1988
Striking
Gavin Crosisca
Collingwood
Not Guilty


Round 5, 1988
Striking
Matthew Ryan
Collingwood
Guilty – 3 weeks


Round 14, 1988
Striking
Brian Taylor
Collingwood
Not Guilty


Round 11, 1989
Striking (3 different charges)
Greg Williams
Sydney Swans
Not Guilty


Round 9, 1990
Charging
Darren Kappler
Fitzroy
Not Guilty

In total, ‘Reece’ was charged 18 times in his time at Carlton, but only suspended for a total of 11 weeks. In addition, he was charged 7 times whilst playing for the Swans, for a total of 11 matches, including two separate 4-week suspensions for altercations against Melbourne in 1981 and 1983.

Overall, David was involved in a total of 17 reports were he was the "victim"; 16 striking charges, and one of "throwing to the ground". The nasty types who offended were found guilty on 13 occasions and outed for a total of 24 weeks.

Besides Greg Williams (who himself was suspended for striking Rhys-Jones during his time with Sydney) other Carlton identities who came into contact with Reece were Brent Crosswell and Peter Smith - who was acting as the Melbourne runner at the time!. Interestingly, future AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou (hardly renowned as a physical player) was also reported for striking David.