West Coast sensation Harley Reid will be out of the Rising Star race if the AFL's Match Review Officer hands the teenager a ban for a dangerous tackle from Round 12.
During the third term of Saturday's game against St Kilda, Reid took hold of opponent Darcy Wilson near the boundary as the young Saint looked to avoid the Eagles gun.
Reid swung Wilson over the boundary line in a 'sling' type tackle that could earn the ire of the MRO.
The action was enough to penalise Reid for a dangerous tackle and is one that the AFL is looking to stamp out of the game.
Wilson came from the field shortly after the tackle and gained medical treatment. He was able to continue in the match however.
Darcy Wilson received a free kick following this Harley Reid tackle.#AFLEaglesSaints pic.twitter.com/Rhs2htAPrs
โ AFL (@AFL) June 1, 2024
Given Wilson's head made heavy contact with the surface, any reportable office against Reid for rough conduct (dangerous tackle) would be graded as 'high' contact.
The conduct grading would be 'careless', while the level of impact grading would determine whether Reid is banned or fined.
A 'low' impact grading would see Reid hit with a financial penalty and be free to play next week.
A 'medium' impact grading would see Reid handed a one-game suspension, meaning he would not be able to play in next week's game against North Melbourne, while a 'high' grading would lead to a two-game ban.
A suspension would also make Reid ineligible to win the 2024 Rising Star Award, which he is heavily favoured to claim.
Reid's tackle comes the same day fellow Rising Star aspirant Sam Darcy was handed a two-game suspension for rough conduct during Round 12.