Baker out for nine games, Johnson four

St Kilda defender Steven Baker faces a suspension of at least nine games after being
charged with four separate reports by the AFL match review panel on Monday.
Baker was reported three times for striking Geelong's Steve Johnson at the MCG on
Friday night and was also booked for making unreasonable contact to Johnson's
injured hand.
Baker's four offences amassed 1200 demerit points, enough for a 12-game suspension
if he pleads not guilty and is unsuccessful in a challenge at the AFL tribunal.
Baker will be suspended for nine games if he pleads guilty to all four charges,
which means he would not play again for the rest of the home and away season.
Johnson was charged twice with striking Baker and faces a suspension of at least
four games if he pleads guilty to both charges.
Johnson would risk a five-game suspension if he challenged the charges at the
tribunal on Tuesday.
The reports against Baker and Johnson all stemmed from their running battle in the
rematch of last year's grand final, which the Saints won by 24 points on Friday
night.
Baker was reported for striking Johnson at the start of the game, and booked for
twice striking his opponent later in the first quarter.
Johnson suffered a suspected broken hand early in the game and Baker was also
reported for misconduct in that he made unreasonable and unnecessary contact to
Johnson's injured hand.
But the star Cat did not escape sanction, as he was reported for striking Baker in
the first quarter and also in the second, when he threw back his elbow and hit his
opponent in the left eye.
Baker suffered a cut near the eye and required stitches.
Geelong suffered another blow as key forward Cameron Mooney was reported for
striking opponent Jason Blake at the start of the game, and faces a two-game
suspension.
Mooney will risk being suspended for three games if he challenges and loses at the
tribunal.
The reports are major blows for the top two sides, which are on track to reach the
finals.



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