Essendon ruckman Andrew Phillips is likely to face MRO scrutiny after committing a high bump on Adelaide's Reilly O'Brien on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
The incident, which occurred during the final seconds of the Bombers' win over the Crows, puts Essendon's second-choice ruckman in jeopardy of missing next weekend's crucial clash with Geelong.
As Phillips moved past the ball and elected to bump O'Brien, an MRO grading of careless conduct, medium impact, and high contact appears the most likely outcome, which would result in a one-match ban for the 32-year-old.
Phillips will surely miss v Geelong for this bump. Buddy got a one week ban for a similar hit on Collins in round 1. Donโt think itโs more than that. Draper is still TBC with his hip. Likely careless and medium impact. OโBrien not concussed so probably only a week @FOXFOOTY pic.twitter.com/oTm8hdddqH
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 9, 2023
A Phillips suspension would be especially untimely for the Bombers, who are already managing without first-choice ruckman Sam Draper, who continues to be sidelined due to a bothersome hip injury.
Draper's still-unknown return timeline, coupled with an impending ban for Phillips, leaves coach Brad Scott with few options as it pertains to Essendon's ruck situation.
Burgeoning key-position tall Nick Bryan seems the obvious next-up choice at the ruck position, as the 21-year-old has appeared in two Essendon games this season.
Michael Christian's verdict on Phillips' bump is set to be released on Monday evening.
The Bombers didn't come out of Sunday's win unscathed in terms of injury, either, as starring defender Jordan Ridley was substituted out of the game after succumbing to a hyper-extended knee injury during the early stages of the third term.
It is currently unknown whether Ridley will also be forced to miss time.
The Bombers' bout with the Cats is scheduled for Saturday night at GMBHA Stadium.
