Carlton’s season has gone from bad to worse with star midfielder Adam Cerra offered a one-game ban ahead of their must-win game against Melbourne.
Cerra has been cited by the match review officer for rough conduct on Sydney ruckman Tom Hickey during the Blues’ deflating loss at the SCG on Friday night.
The 23-year-old put a big tackle on Hickey, slamming him into the turf, with the Swans veteran’s head bouncing off the ground in concerning fashion.
The MRO graded the incident as careless, medium impact and high contact, meaning Cerra will miss Friday night’s clash with the Demons at the MCG if Carlton can’t overturn the decision at the tribunal.
Carlton slumped to a sixth defeat in seven games to have their once-promising season in tatters.
The result was made even worse with captain Patrick Cripps, midfielder George Hewett (concussion), defender Nic Newman (hamstring) and winger Ollie Holands (shoulder) hurting themselves.
Hewett will definitely be sidelined through the AFL’s concussion protocols, while Cripps and Newman will receive scans on their injuries.
The Swans didn’t escape from the match unscathed, with co-captain Luke Parker also offered a one-game suspension for a dangerous tackle of his own.
Parker drove Sam Walsh into the ground during the third quarter and pinned the Blues star’s arm.
Sydney (5-6) have the bye next week but Parker will miss the Swans’ round 13 clash with St Kilda if he is unable to overturn the decision at the tribunal.
Australian Associated Press