Port Adelaide have opted to accept the ban handed to Jason Horne-Francis for a dangerous tackle on St Kilda's Liam Stocker. The club found no grounds to challenge the suspension, meaning Horne-Francis will miss Port Adelaide's must-win game against Fremantle next week.
On the other hand, Collingwood have communicated their intent to challenge the one-match ban handed to Billy Frampton following a tackle deemed dangerous, last time out.
During the fourth quarter of the Collingwood's thrilling victory over North Melbourne on Friday night, Frampton tackled North's Matt Whitlock in the goal square, pulling the key forward to the ground. Whitlock's head made heavy contact with the turf, and Nick Larkey kicked the crumbs off the deck for a goal. The on-field umpires were split on the act; one awarded Frampton a free kick for holding the ball, but was overruled, with another deeming the tackle dangerous.
The call sparked outrage amongst Collingwood players with both Brayden Maynard and Josh Daicos rushing to question the decision. The umpire however stayed firm, saying "I've deemed it to be a dangerous tackle, so therefore the tackle's not legal."
The incident was assessed as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact - a combination that delineates a one-match ban. Frampton's fate now rests in the hands of the AFL Tribunal, which will sit on Tuesday night.
If the ban does not get overturned, Frampton will have to miss Collingwood's game against their historical rivals, Carlton. The game has far more at stake than it did eight weeks ago, with both teams now boasting Wildcard Round aspirations.
The oft-maligned Frampton has enjoyed a breakout campaign, with his name being bandied about as a potential inclusion in the All-Australian squad. The South Australian is flourishing after added responsibility in the absences of Darcy Moore, among others.
With in-form defender Jeremy Howe also potentially unfit to play after suffering ongoing groin issues, the Pies are likely to debut either Noah Howes or Joel Cochran against the Blues, this Saturday.
