Aug 7th, 2018

Aug 7th, 2018

The father of Andrew Brayshaw has said he forgives Andrew Gaff for the king hit that left his son with a broken jaw and four displaced teeth as plans were revealed to bring both players together to end the furore over the incident.

Gaff fronted the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night where he was handed an eight-week suspension, effectively ending his season with the West Coast Eagles and placing his future temporarily in limbo following his decision to become a restricted free agent.

The incident, which occurred off the ball during the Eagles’ win over Fremantle Dockers on Sunday, has created plenty of debate with a prominent lawyer flagging criminal charges and calling for a year-long ban while police said they would make an ‘assessment’ of it.

Andrew Brayshaw’s father, Mark, told The Herald Sun that the family had forgiven Gaff for the king hit and encouraged the football community to do the same.

(AAP) West Coast Eagles' Andrew Gaff has received an eight-match ban from the AFL Tribunal. (AAP)

“I think he’s genuinely embarrassed and remorseful,” Mark said.

“There’s no question of the sincerity and remorse. You know, we all make mistakes and I - of course it’s not for me to excuse - but I want his father and mother to realise we’re thinking of them and we look forward to the next Eagles dinner.’’

Andrew Brayshaw’s brother Hamish, who plays alongside Gaff at the Eagles, is playing a key role in bringing the two players together. It was reported in the lead-up to the AFL tribunal hearing that Gaff, Andrew and Hamish had all played golf before the Eagles and Dockers game on Sunday.

“That meeting is going to be just as important for Andrew Brayshaw as it is for Andrew Gaff because it’s going to be a pretty powerful interview,” Mark said.

(Nine) West Coast Eagles' Andrew Gaff argued he attempted to punch Fremantle Dockers' Andrew Brayshaw in the chest at the AFL Tribunal.

“Unless you live in Perth, mate - it’s a ferocious environment … I just hope they meet soon and shake hands and I’m sure they will.

“And when that happens, I’d like people to hear that an apology has been given and accepted and we move on because it’s a pretty intense place at the moment.

“The meeting will happen this week if not next week.”

Gaff has apologised profusely for the incident and argued at the AFL Tribunal that it was an attempted chest punch gone wrong.