Lightning McQueen wrote:magpieeagle wrote:Def a interesting read, just read it on the Adelaide Now App,
Are you able to post it?
Amateur footballer Dylan Jessen fears his season could be over after a careless striking incident he says he deserves to be punished for – just not his reputation as a former bikie.
Jessen was reported by Hamley Bridge Football Club on Saturday for allegedly striking player Leon Raether during the first quarter of their A-Grade game at Hamley Bridge Oval.
Jessen, who reformed eight years ago and quit the Finks Motorcycle club for his fiancee and children, said he is disappointed by the “slip up” as he continues work to escape the image of his past.
“I wish I could take it back,” the 30-year-old said.
“It was a silly mistake. I should have been more careful but it was just a reaction. As my arm got ripped back I turned around and made accidental contact.
“I feel bad that I’ve hurt the bloke, I’m not a monster.
“People just have a picture of you in their head. But it is footy, stuff like this happens every week. (Suspension) is justified because someone has been hurt.”
The official report filed by the Bombers claims the incident occurred when both players were moving back towards the centre of the ground.
“As Raether attempted to move past Jessen, Jessen struck Raether with enough force to dislodge his mouthguard some distance and leave him on the ground with a bleeding mouth,” it reads.
Raether was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital and treated for a fractured jaw.
Virginia (16.14-110) defeated Hamley (9.12-66). HBFC declined to comment.
The incident is the first of its kind for Jessen after he joined Virginia Football Club in the Adelaide Plains Footy League last year.
Jessen has been playing centre half back this years. Picture: Brenton Edwards.
Coach Denis Eaton would not comment on the altercation but said Jessen is “good footballer” and a “family man” to two children who was often misunderstood.
Jessen understands a price must be paid for being part of a motorcycle club, but said he is tired of being seen as nothing more than a “thug” and “filthy animal”.
“It all comes from a reputation that was eight years ago,” he said.
“I work hard, look after my family and play footy. Judge me on what I’ve done (in the game), not something from eight years ago now.
“I’m out there doing a sport I love and that I grew up doing and finally back to the person I was. I’m not sitting here saying I’m a saint and I’m not going to cry wolf. I made a mistake, I’ll go to the tribunal, no doubt I’ll get games and fair enough.”
Jessen is expected to face the tribunal on Wednesday night.
In 2013 he left the Finks before serving a three-year jail term.
