Collingwood youngster Nick Daicos is likely to remain eligible for the AFL Brownlow Medal despite being scrutinized for his punch in the stomach against Carlton opponent Blake Acres.
Daicos, who is leading the AFL Coaching Association vote in his second season, got caught by Acres in Sunday’s win over the Blues at the MCG.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Nick Daicos is under surveillance for subtle punching at Carlton opponent.
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In the worst case, however, the incident should be assessed as a minor impact and physical contact.
If so, that means Daicos would only face a fine and still be entitled to the Brownlow.
“Is there anything in it at all?” asked Brian Taylor on the comment.
Tim Watson replied: “Ah, yes; That’s probably a fine, depending on how they rate the severity. (Blake Acres) got up pretty quick.”
Although suspension is unlikely to result, Taylor said: “It would be concerning for one of the Brownlow favourites.”
Should he be suspended for this, he would not be entitled to the Brownlow Medal.
Meanwhile, Adelaide star Izak Rankine was relieved of his matchday report on Sunday, while Sydney striker Will Hayward will also face no charges over his frequent contact.
Rankine was booked for scoring high against Bulldog Taylor Duryea on Saturday in Ballarat.
However, the match reporting panel concluded that the two players aimed for the ball and the contact was appropriate.
Hayward also came under scrutiny for his intense association with North Melbourne newcomer George Wardlaw at Marvel Stadium.
The verdict concluded that the two players had jumped from opposite directions to contest the ball and that Hayward’s actions were not unreasonable.
On Sunday, Hawthorn defense attorney Sam Frost was charged with attacking West Coast’s Connor West.
Brisbane couple Will Ashcroft and Brandon Starcevich and Gold Coast opponent Nick Holman were fined for hand-to-hand combat/wrestling after Saturday night’s match.
– With Harrison Reid