Richmond forward Rhyan Mansell is set to face scrutiny from the AFL’s Match Review Officer for a brutal bump that left Fremantle midfielder James Aish concussed.
Mansell and Aish were involved in a heavy collision in the final quarter of the Tigers’ five-point win over the Dockers at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Aish took possession of the ball before Mansell collided with him a split second later.
After being awarded a free kick, Aish was handed the ball but appeared dazed and confused, with former skipper Nat Fyfe checking on the 27-year-old.
Moments later, Aish left the ground in the hands of medical staff and did not return to the match.
Fremantle later confirmed Aish had undergone a Head Impact Assessment and will enter the 12-day concussion protocols.
He will be unavailable for the Dockers’ clash with Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium on Saturday.
The MRO will release their findings later today with Mansell expected to be offered a suspension for rough conduct.
Richmond will also be sweating on Jack Graham’s dump tackle on young Docker Matthew Johnson.
A free kick was awarded to Johnson for a dangerous tackle but he was able to get up and take the kick, playing out the remainder of the game.
AFL commentator Kane Cornes said while the Graham incident is just a free kick, Mansell is in trouble.
“There is just room for a free kick to be paid, I would hope that is all, in that instance,” Cornes said of Graham’s tackle on AFL.com.au.
“This one (Mansell’s bump on Aish) is a different story. You’ve got the opportunity to make a play on the ball.
“Mansell doesn’t do that, he elects to bump, he gets him high and as hard as that is, in a split second, unfortunately, what we’re telling the players to do is – if you can’t win the footy, you can’t bump and you certainly can’t get the player high.
“Aish went off, clearly concussed, so that will be looked at and he will miss.”