AFL MRO: Fremantle forward charged for dangerous tackle

Fremantle forward Tom Emmett is the latest player to be charged for rough conduct, with the Match Review Officer (MRO) offering a one-match suspension for the dangerous tackle on Essendon defender Jayden Laverde.

A second-quarter tackle Laverde left the Bombers backman slow to get to his feet after his head made contact with the MCG surface.

Laverde was able to free his right arm before being taken to the ground, however, the forceful nature of the tackle led to a dangerous tackle free kick against Emmett.

A dangerous tackle free kick was paid against Tom Emmett here...⬇️#AFLDonsFreo pic.twitter.com/a6lRaRgoBN

— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 4, 2024

The MRO graded the incident as "careless conduct, medium impact and high contact" constituting a one-week layoff.

The tackle was expected to be cited by the MRO, with rough conduct (dangerous tackle) offences a contentious issue in recent weeks after GWS forward Toby Bedford and Lions star Charlie Cameron were handed three-game bans from separate Round 18 incidents.

The outcome from both of those tackles saw their opponents left with a concussion, while both bans were removed after Tribunal and subsequent AFL Appeal Board hearings, which did not find any issue with the MRO's verdict but instead an error of law in the process of the Tribunal.

Fremantle are scheduled to face Geelong at home this weekend before finishing their home and away campaign with games against GWS and Port Adelaide, the latter also being held at Optus Stadium.

As it stands, Emmett will not face the Cats in Round 22, pending a challenge from the Dockers.