I like the cut of Marley Williams' jib

[Brown26]

He wont get ten years, even if found guilty. But any time inside would be a blow, still unlikely IMO

- Ben

[stui magpie]

Unless it was a king hit or as it's now known a "cowards punch" he's extremely unlikely to do time.

[Stinger]

Well we might finally hear some facts this week.

It's just a hunch but based on the actions of the club since this event I'm going to say he'll be ok.

I'm pretty sure the club is fully aware of his version of events and so I'm guessing that he was probably provoked.

Why do I think this?

1. He was put straight into club imposed community service - this says to Marley that hitting someone, whether they hit you first or provoked you, is still unacceptable. Go away and be responsible for your actions, learn some humility;
2. He continued to play last year; plus
3. You wouldn't extend someones contract if you thought there was a conviction coming; and
4. He's trained the house down again this pre-season with a view of hitting round 1 flying.

[RudeBoy]

This will be his break out year!

He'll be a knockout!

.....as long as he doesn't make a fist of it.

[David]

Stinger, the club can make a guess based on what they know, and perhaps even seek out legal advice, but there's still no way they could be sure that Marley will be found innocent or guilty or what penalty he'll receive if the latter transpires. To me, that makes their reaction quite laudable: by extending his contract, they've made a commitment to stick by their employee whatever transpires in this court case. Let's just hope that they don't undo their good work by cutting him loose should he receive a conviction.

[Stinger]

David, I'm sure it's more than a guess and they would have sought legal advice. You don't go offering up new contracts if you aren't backing the right horse. If Marley was the instigator in this incident then no way would the club be backing him. He would have been slapped with an internal suspension for starters and wouldn't have played at all. None of this happened, hence why I feel optimistic.

[perthmagpie]

Judges do the most unpredictable things. Especially if the evidence and the case are too hard to sought out. A judge guessing can ruin your life. Believe me.

I hope it works out for Marley. It must be hard to concentrate on footy when this is hanging over your head.

[Member 7167]

[swoop42]

Reports of what went on in court today:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/21519869/afls-marley-williams-in-court-for-assault/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-17/marley-williams-trial/5265036

[swoop42]

Has Williams been charged with your more basic assault charges as well as GBH?

[Steve86]

that guy saying he didn't even know who he is lol... sometimes. Unless there is video footage he should be ok..

[HAL]

Oops. Too much data.

[burnsy17]

Hopefully he'll be ok... Hes vital to us this season.

But, just reading the article.... Im not filled with much confidence

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

yeah, I'm no expert but some of the evidence appears very damning. Very difficult to see this ending well for Marley

[stui magpie]

So the argument is, these guys were pissed, one of them punched Marley in the head unprovoked and he followed them outside and threw one punch at one of them in payback. Retribution/vengeance vs self defense.

If it's the first, it's good qualities to have in an AFL level back. The court may not see it that way.

He may well be found guilty but I'd be extremely surprised if it was more than a good behaviour bond.