Essendon midfielder Jye Caldwell could find himself in hot water for a strike on Collignwood's Nick Daicos during Tuesday's Anzac Day affair.
After being tackled to the ground by Daicos, Caldwell is seen swinging his arm into the Magpie's torso, with the Collingwood youngster left in pain on the MCG surface.
Daicos was soon able to get to his feet and play out the match, but the incident may gain scrutiny of the AFL's Match Review Officer.
Should the MRO view Caldwell's actions as 'intentional' over 'careless', his chances of a suspension are increased.
Caldwell with a little gut punch to Daicos. That's sure to get a look in with the MRO.
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If that is the case, and the MRO sees the level of impact as 'medium' at the very least, then Caldwell will be handed a suspension for striking.
A grading of intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact will result in a one-game suspension for Caldwell.
Should the level of impact be 'low' (with intentional conduct and body contact), or the grading of conduct be seen as 'careless' (with medium impact and body contact), Caldwell would escape with a fine.
Essendon are scheduled to face Geelong next week at the MCG.
This illustrates exactly what is wrong with the “system”….
Striking is illegal.
Striking has always been a reportable offence.
… however the games administrators at the vfl have decided a reportable offence is only a “punishable” offence if it causes harm……. introducing a whole array of arbitrary decisions for them to “choose from”.
In the long history of the game, in every state including Victoria (so they have no excuse) striking has always been illegal and sanctioned when noticed…. in the old days of Johnny Wynne and before that of Jack Dyer… when only umpires “reported” players they may not noticed them….
….but now with TV telecasts to show them – it should be easy to eradicate these illegal acts…….. unless some fool decides to sanction some but not others.
It gives every “sniper” the possibility that they will “get off”.
…. and he gets off!
Laughable.