Port Adelaide midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper found himself in hot water after a nasty bump on Adelaide's Mark Keane during a pre-season hitout.
Powell-Pepper bumped Keane high whilst the defender was already being tackled, resulting in a concussion for the 23-year-old Irishman.
Under a new AFL rule change, 26-year-old Powell-Pepper could have his ban start during the Power's clash with the Dockers in the AAMI Community Series. This would mean that if handed a three-week ban, the midfielder would only miss two games of the 2024 home and away season.
Whether this is the case or not is yet to be seen.
Speaking toย 7 News, Powell-Pepper addressed the incident and his thoughts on the matter.
"Obviously, it wasn't a good hit, so my future is in the MRO's hands," said Powell-Pepper.
โObviously it wasnโt a good hit so my future is in the MROโs hands.' Sam Powell-Pepper has told 7NEWS he has reached out to Mark Keane after his high bump concussed the Crows defender in the pre-season Showdown. The latest from the MRO in 7NEWS at 6pm | https://t.co/6Fkq9GhiDt pic.twitter.com/TeNagOGBy4
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) February 26, 2024
"First thing I did was flick Mark a message after the game. It's never my intention to concuss anyone or hit anyone high.
"I think I play a tough fair game and obviously got that one wrong."
Powell-Pepper has been a crucial player for the Power over the last few years, his toughness and attack on the footy being noted as his strong suits.
The Power will play Fremantle in the AAMI Community Series before taking on the West Coast Eagles in Round 1 at Adelaide Oval.
