The Western Bulldogs could be without key defender Liam Jones for the start of their September series, with a dangerous tackle during the Dogs' Sunday affair against GWS potentially earning the scrutiny of the AFL's Match Review Officer.
A tackle from Jones on young Giant Aaron Cadman in the opening moments of the Round 24 clash in Ballarat is expected to be assessed by the MRO, with the actions of the veteran Bulldog of some concern.
Jones took hold of Cadman from behind and pinned his right arm before bringing his opponent to the ground with force, with Cadman unable to brace for contact with the ground as he held onto the ball with his left arm.
Cadman's head made contact with the ground, but his left arm and the ball cushioned his fall.
Liam Jones gave away a free kick for this incident involving Aaron Cadman.#AFLDogsGiants pic.twitter.com/nDeYArxCCI
— AFL (@AFL) August 25, 2024
While Jones didn't have both of Cadman's arms pinned, he could still face a reportable offence charge of rough conduct (dangerous tackle) and a suspension - a fate that fell upon GWS defender Lachie Ash last week for his tackle on Fremantle's Hayden Young.
That incident was graded as careless conduct, high contact and medium impact, with the Giants unsuccessful in their appeal at the AFL Tribunal this week.
Like Cadman, Young was able to continue after the tackle, however the potential to cause injury and the vulnerable position Young was left in played a part in Ash's ban standing.
Should a similar penalty and outcome be handed down to Jones, he would miss the Dogs' next match - an elimination final against Hawthorn.
Any MRO findings from Sunday's Round 24 action will be handed down on Monday evening.
