Brisbane star Charlie Cameron was banned for three matches and GWS striker Toby Bedford received the same suspension as the issue of dangerous tackles once again made headlines.
In a day of carnage at the AFL Match Review, Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies was also banned for three matches for colliding with an opponent in a vulnerable position, while teammate Malcolm Rosas was sent off for one match.
Cameron’s suspension stems from an incident in which he ran towards Liam Duggan to tackle him, forcing the Eagles captain backwards.
Duggan hit the back of his head on the turf as the pair fell to the ground. The West Coast defender was taken out of the game with concussion.
The incident was judged to be negligent conduct, heavy impact and strong physical contact and resulted in a three-game suspension.
Earlier this year, Cameron overturned a one-match suspension at the AFL Tribunal for a dumping tackle on Melbourne’s Jake Lever, which had been imposed as a result of what has since been dubbed “good guy” defence.
The Lions have until Tuesday morning to decide whether to appeal Cameron’s latest suspension to the AFL Tribunal.
GWS has already announced that it will appeal against Bedford’s suspension.
Bedford pinned Tim Taranto’s arms during a tackle in the fourth quarter and the Richmond midfielder’s head hit the ground as the two fell forward.
Taranto appeared dazed as he stood up, and Bedford immediately checked on his opponent’s well-being.
The 26-year-old Tiger left the field and did not return after failing a concussion test.
The disorderly conduct charge was given the same weight as Cameron’s.
“I saw it live, but it didn’t feel like he drove him into the ground, hurled him or anything like that,” GWS coach Adam Kingsley said after the game.
Gold Coast’s Davies was in trouble after hitting Lachie Jones in the head while the Port player was bent over the ball.
The incident was classified as negligent conduct, severe impact and heavy contact.
Rosas was suspended for one game for striking Logan Evans with his elbow off the ball. The strike was ruled intentional, low force and high physical contact.
Following Brisbane’s win over West Coast, Lions coach Chris Fagan questioned the idea that players should be banned if their opponent suffers a concussion.
“It would be sad if it came to that… accidents happen,” Fagan said.
If Cameron fails to lift or ease the ban, he will miss crucial games against Sydney, Gold Coast and St Kilda.