The AFL's Match Review Officer has handed Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett a three-game suspension for rough conduct.
The charge comes after an incident involving Pickett and Collingwood's Darcy Moore, with the former collecting his opponent high as the two players contested for a loose ball during Friday night's affair at the MCG.
Moore suffered a concussion as a result of the collision as Pickett's right arm made high contact with the Magpies captain.
Pickett's actions have earned the ire of the MRO, who has charged Pickett for rough conduct (high bumps), grading the incident as careless conduct, high contact and severe impact.
Those gradings have resulted in a three-game suspension for Pickett, which will be served to start the 2025 season as Melbourne's campaign has come to an end.
Darcy Moore received a free kick after this incident with Kysaiah Pickett.#AFLDeesPies pic.twitter.com/0sc1oRycYf
— AFL (@AFL) August 23, 2024
The Demons and Pickett have the opportunity to challenge the MRO's findings at the AFL Tribunal. An accepted penalty would mean Pickett will miss the opening of a second straight season due to suspension.
Pickett served a one-game ban for the Opening Round in 2024 after being handed a one-game suspension for a bump on Carlton's Patrick Cripps during last year's semi-final.
Melbourne defender Marty Hore can accept a $2500 fine with an early guilty plea for a forceful front-on contact charge.