Essendon midfielder Sam Durham is looking at a one-match suspension for his dump tackle on St Kilda's Ryan Byrnes during Saturday's practice game.
In the second quarter, Durham can be seen applying a forceful tackle, lifting Byrnes' legs up from the ground before driving him into the turf whilst pinning both of his arms.
The Saints defender was unable to protect himself, and was vulnerable to serious injury, which is a key factor in the Match Review Officer's (MRO) deliberations.
Despite Byrnes' shoulder making contact with the ground first, his head bounced off the grass, which immediately saw the umpire penalise Durham.
Tensions rise after this contest between Sam Durham and Ryan Byrnes.#AFLSaintsDons pic.twitter.com/8726uNgf0Z
— AFL (@AFL) February 28, 2026
St Kilda teammates retaliated as Byrnes took his free kick.
If the force is deemed medium impact, it would result in a one-match ban.
The MRO could side with a one-game suspension given the potential to cause injury even though Byrnes played on.
There was also little to no restraint from Durham throughout the tackling motion.
Essendon take on Hawthorn in Round 1.
The Bombers gun recently signed a monster contract extension, bypassing free agency and any offerings from Tasmania upon their introduction to the AFL.
Durham will be at Essendon until the end of 2032.
Hawthorn co-captain Jai Newcombe is also looking at MRO scrutiny for his dangerous tackle on Western Bulldogs on-baller Ed Richards.
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