A pair of tackles from Sunday's Round 18 action could earn the scrutiny of the AFL's Match Review Officer, with Brisbane star Charlie Cameron and GWS forward Toby Bedford both to face a nervous wait after separate tackles left their opponents with head knocks.
Bedford's tackle on Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto during the fourth quarter of the match at the MCG is likely to earn the unwanted attention of the MRO, who could charge Bedford with rough conduct (dangerous tackle).
The tackle in question sees Bedford wrap his arms around Taranto from behind as the Tigers onballer looks to break away from the contest, with Bedford bringing Taranto to the ground before the Tiger's head makes heavy contact with the turf.
Taranto, who had both arms pinned by Bedford, was visibly unwell before rising to his feet, with the reigning Richmond best and fairest winner slowly making his way off the field and not returning.
If the MRO deems Bedford's actions as a reportable offence, a one-game ban could be handed down. The MRO would have to grade the tackle as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact to result in a single-match suspension.
Tim Taranto came from the ground following this contest.#AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/vw4XAmBsBY
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2024
Am impact grading of 'low' would mean Bedford is hit with a fine instead of a ban, while a grading of 'high' would see the GWS forward handed a two-game ban.
GWS are scheduled to face Gold Coast in Round 19.
In Sunday afternoon's other game at Optus Stadium, a tackle from the aforementioned Cameron on West Coast co-captain Liam Duggan may also be looked at by the MRO.
The tackle in question sees Cameron take hold of Duggan before both players go to ground, with the Eagles defender not having an arm free to brace for a landing.
Duggan's head made contact with both Cameron's head and the ground, with West Coast soon ruling their skipper out of the remainder of the match due to concussion.
Liam Duggan came from the ground following this contest.#AFLEaglesLions pic.twitter.com/7ashGywLo3
— AFL (@AFL) July 14, 2024
The MRO would have to see either more than one action from Cameron, that the tackle was inherently dangerous, that Duggan was placed in a vulnerable position, or that Duggan was slung, driven or rotated into the ground with excessive force, for a charge to be handed down to Cameron.
The Lions are scheduled to face ladder leaders Sydney in Round 19.
The MRO will hand down their findings from Sunday's action on Monday evening.