Collingwood star Jordan De Goey will likely be referred directly to the AFL Tribunal for his high bump on Eagles youngster Elijah Hewett.
De Goey’s brutal first quarter bump on Hewett left the rookie sprawled on the Optus Stadium turf and eventually ruled out after undergoing a Head Impact Assessment.
Bumps and tackles are generally graded ‘careless’ as ‘football acts’ by the Match Review Officer, with gradings of high contact and severe impact likely.
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Pies take down Eagles but may lose star | 01:40
That result would see a recommended sanction of at least three matches and a direct referral to the AFL Tribunal.
A grading of ‘high’ impact rather than severe would result in a two-match ban.
The Pies take on Melbourne in a King’s Birthday blockbuster next week, followed by a bye, Adelaide at the MCG and Gold Coast in Queensland.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae was resigned to losing his star for the blockbuster at the MCG.
“It is what it is,” he said post-match.
“We’ll just deal with it.
“I hope the young lad is OK.
“Jordy is a fair player.
“It’s split seconds isn’t it? Do I go in a tackle? Do I bump? Do I smother?
“These split second decisions you make… they have to make them out there.”
Commentator Jason Dunstall questioned why players would still opt for the bump when they know the risk involved.
“He’s in a bit of difficulty Elijah Hewett,” Dunstall said.
“He’s copped the arm high from De Goey.
“It’s a two-fold thing – one, why are you bumping when you know how much trouble there is and if you are, why the heck aren’t you getting low and getting underneath the upper body of the opposition player, otherwise you’re going to be in trouble.”
Fox Footy commentator Garry Lyon said there was no doubt De Goey would find himself in “trouble”.
“That’s a big one right there,” he said.
“If you elect to bump and make high contact, it’s going to come under the MRO’s attention.
“That’s trouble for Jordan de Goey.
“As soon as you make that decision, as soon as Jordan makes that – we’re not saying he tried to knock him senseless, but if you decide to bump and make contact above the shoulders, then the AFL has been as clear as they can possibly be about that.
“It’s a very, very big game Collingwood will be in (next week).
“It is a massive game in the AFL roster.”
Commentator Matthew Pavlich said it was big blow for West Coast to lose Hewett after already subbing out Connor West with a knee injury.
“He handballed the ball … we won’t hang out Jordan de Goey just yet but he’s obviously going to be in some trouble for this,” he said.
“Elijah Hewett is off the ground going through the concussion protocols.”
The Eagles responded heading back onto the ground to start the second term with Greg Clark getting straight in de Goey’s face in the centre of the ground.
Collingwood Press Conference | 07:10