An Ipswich Eagles player has been given a 20-year suspension after kicking a defenceless opponent in the head during a QFA Division 3 reserves game on Saturday.

The AFL Queensland tribunal moved quickly to hand the decision down this week, just days after the incident in the semi-final game against the Redcliffe Tigers in Ipswich.

The offending player pleaded guilty and did not attend the hearing.

He has been automatically deregistered and is effectively banned for 21 years under the AFL's deregistration policy, which requires a waiting period upon re-application.

The offending player was sent off under the league's red card system.

Redcliffe Tigers vice-president Steve Brown told News Corp he was heartened to see teammates check on the stricken 19-year-old player.

“Normally when something like that happens a fight breaks out but the players all rushed to check on their teammate," he said.

"It was great team spirit."

Brown also noted other Ipswich players apologised during and after the game.

The Redcliffe player, who appeared groggy as he was helped from the field, is still recovering from concussion.



