Sydney stars Justin McInerney and Joel Amartey in hot water for high bumps in win over Carlton
The Sydney Swans will be sweating on the fate of two of their players, with Justin McInerney and Joel Amartey to come under match review scrutiny for high shots during their team's clash with Carlton on Friday night.
While the Swans' managed to pull of an important victory — thanks largely to the heroics of Isaac Heeney — there will be concerns for coach Dean Cox, again, as he contemplates more games without key stars..
There was a twist in the McInerney bump, however, that could spare the midfielder from suspension, or at least see him miss only one match.
Silvagni was later seen on the bench following the incident and was subbed out of the game.
While it was first thought that Silvagni had failed his concussion test, it was later revealed that a groin injury was the reason he was sidelined.
The likely grading for McInerney is intentional conduct, low impact and high contact, which would attract a one-match sanction, but there could be an argument around the intent.
Questions will also be asked of Carlton, however, following that incident in the second quarter as to why Silvagni didn't get off the ground quicker to have a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) test.
The doctor was seen on the sidelines trying to get Silvagni's attention, but the gun defender either didn't see him or deliberately ignored him.
Star Seven commentator Alister Nicholson said the umpires had the power to stop the game if they thought Silvagni — who did not appear groggy — needed to go off.
'I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen,' Nicholson said as time ticked on and Silvagni remained in the action.
'He's playing hard to get, Jack Silvagni.'
Richmond legend Matthew Richardson added: 'The player always thinks he's OK.'
He said: 'If you're not feeling any symptons ... obviously Silvagni has told him (the doctor) he's fine.'
Of course, it's not up Silvagni to make that call.
Meanwhile, Swans forward Joel Amartey could be facing another stint on the sidelines after his bump on Jordan Boyd left the Carlton defender concussed.
Amartey had collected Boyd high late in the fourth quarter.
The key forward was playing in his first game since round five after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Carlton coach Michael Voss confirmed Boyd suffered a concussion, meaning the defender will miss at least their clash against top-eight team GWS.
'I'm sure they'll get looked at and get looked at very closely and should be treated accordingly,' Voss said of the incident.
''Boydie', he's obviously got concussion protocols now from that hit, so he's not doing so well in there at the moment.'
Sydney are already without Lewis Melican, who is serving a three-match ban for striking, and McInerney was previously banned for three games for a bump on Brisbane's Brandon Starcevich.
That incident was graded as careless, severe impact and high contact.
'I've had a brief look at (the Amartey bump), but that will be in the AFL's hands now,' Cox said after the victory.
'We want to make sure that we play within the rules and this was no different.'
Praising Amartey, he added: 'It was good to have him back. He provided a really strong focal point for our playing group.
'That's what he does for our footy club and we'll see what action takes from here.'
Cox said he hadn't seen the McInerney bump.
'But our message to the players is get to that line, not over it,' he said.
'One thing you want the players to be certainly aware of is there's a line that you need to go to and you can't cross it.
'If you do cross it, there is consequence for that.'
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7NEWS
19 hours ago
- 7NEWS
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
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But Wright said Essendon showed against Brisbane that with the proper intent and system, they can add to Carlton's well-documented woes in attack. "We showed how we were able to handle that," Wright said of their personnel woes. "Our back six held up really well, playing more assertive and that team side of our defence showed through. "We'll make do in the meantime. "The fight we showed was really promising. It was the way we wanted to play." Before attack, think defence. It's the counter-intuitive advice that Peter Wright says will turn things around for fellow Essendon forward Isaac Kako. The highly-rated Bombers young gun has played 10 games in his debut AFL season, but last kicked a goal in round eight. Ahead of their King's Birthday eve clash on Sunday night against fierce rivals Carlton, Wright said the rewards will come for Kako as the youngster develops his game. "Clearly Isaac is someone with just a tremendous amount of talent. For him, it's just bringing that real defensive mindset," Wright said. "That's how small forwards get into the game - that chase pressure, those tackles. "Obviously we want the ball in his hands as much as we can, because he's able to create so much. "But if he can just bring that consistent pressure, the rest of his game will flow from that." The Bombers are a game plus plenty of percentage outside the top eight, while Carlton similarly need a win at 4-7. Essendon lost no friends with last Thursday night's narrow loss to Brisbane and that is the effort they must bring against the Blues. They are unlikely to regain key defenders Ben McKay and Zach Reid to help quell a Carlton attack led by key forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. But Wright said Essendon showed against Brisbane that with the proper intent and system, they can add to Carlton's well-documented woes in attack. "We showed how we were able to handle that," Wright said of their personnel woes. "Our back six held up really well, playing more assertive and that team side of our defence showed through. "We'll make do in the meantime. "The fight we showed was really promising. It was the way we wanted to play."
