All eyes on MRO for McStay bump verdict, Burgoyne tackle explanation
There will be considerable attention on the AFL's match review officer Michael Christian on Monday evening when he releases his judgment on Daniel McStay's bump on Neville Jetta.
McStay's dangerous, head-high bump on Jetta came shortly after the MRO deemed Shaun Burgoyne's dangerous tackle on Sydney's James Rowbottom worthy of only a fine.
That was despite the AFL changing the tribunal guidelines on dangerous tackles in mid-June to make it more likely those found guilty of the action would be suspended.
McStay's side cannoned into the top of Jetta's head as the Melbourne defender bent over to pick up the ball during the second quarter of the Lions' narrow win on Sunday.
The Lions player seemingly chose to bump Jetta instead of tackle and collected his opponent at a point on his head where both spinal and brain trauma are possible.
Jetta returned to the field in the second half and played out the game.
Match review officer Michael Christian.Credit:Justin McManus
North Melbourne premiership player David King, who has consistently advocated for the AFL to be tougher on head-high contact regardless of injury outcome, says the game has "totally lost control of anything related to the head".
"Anything that can possibly cause head trauma, not [just] concussion, we have to stamp out of the game," he said on Fox Footy of the Burgoyne tackle.
On the McStay bump he said: "That is millimetres from a wheelchair.
"Top of the head, the neck gets compressed [and] you’re in all sorts of problems.
"What are we waiting for with this stuff?"
Given the lack of injury the case will again test Christian and the AFL when it comes to assessing an incident on "the potential to cause injury" rather than what the actual injury outcome was.
A grading of careless conduct, with high impact and high contact could see McStay offered a three-match suspension reduced to two matches with an early plea.
If the impact is deemed "severe" – remembering however that Jetta was not injured – McStay could be sent straight to the tribunal.
On Burgoyne, the MRO is on Monday night expected to answer questions as to why the Hawks player did not receive a suspension.
The change to the tribunal guidelines for dangerous tackles in June came directly after another ugly tackle from the Hawks veteran.
He was fined for that tackle on Patrick Dangerfield but the AFL made it clear this was unlikely to be the case going forward, meaning Sunday's fine for Burgoyne's second tackle has raised eyebrows.
"It has become obvious that the framework in which the MRO works relating to dangerous tackles requires strengthening," AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said in June.
"We want to be clear; protection of the head is our highest priority and we want all players at all levels and age groups to better understand that these tackles shouldn't be part of our game.
"Dangerous tackles have the potential to cause head injuries, and it is essential that this is taken into account when assessing an incident under the AFL tribunal guidelines."