Sydney's Aaron Francis is likely to have earned the attention of the AFL's Match Review Officer for a hit on Western Bulldogs defender Lachie Bramble on Friday night.
The incident occurred in the Swans' forward 50 during a boundary throw-in, with Francis approaching Bramble as he closed in on the contest.
Coming from behind Bramble, Francis is seen to swing his right arm into Bramble's torso, flooring the Dogs player as play continued.
Bramble was left on the floor of the SCG in some agony, requiring the treatment of club medical staff.
Fine, or a one-week suspension for Aaron Francis?@RalphyHeraldSun dissects Aaron Francis' 'pretty significant' hit on Lachie Bramble during a #AFLSwansDogs epic. pic.twitter.com/kAgu4aQ22M
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) June 27, 2025
Bramble was able to continue to play in the game, while Francis is likely to receive a striking charge from the MRO.
The decision as to whether Francis' actions were intentional or careless, and the level of the impact, will decide the penalty handed to Francis.
Body contact is set to be graded by the MRO, who could view Francis' actions as intentional conduct despite the two players being near live play.
An intentional grading would place Francis closer to the outcome of a suspension, with a 'medium' impact grading or higher resulting in a suspension.
If his conduct is graded as careless rather than intentional, the impact would need to be 'high' or higher to warrant a suspension.
A suspension would see Francis ruled out of playing next week's matchup with Fremantle at the SCG, with Francis then available to play next in Round 18 against St Kilda.
The MRO's findings from Friday's action will be handed down on Saturday evening.
