St Kilda small forward Jack Higgins cops a three-week ban after committing a dangerous tackle on Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir that was handed down by the Match Review Officer (MRO) Michael Christian.
During the Saints' 10-point loss to the Power on Friday night, Higgins wrapped up the All-Australian stopper in the travelling team's forward 50.
While Aliir held the ball in his left hand, Higgins restricted the former Swan's movement, holding his right hand to complete the tackle.
Higgins was eventually penalised for a dangerous tackle after Aliir's head hit the turf after both of his feet had become airborne.
Jack Higgins gave away a free kick for a dangerous tackle on Aliir Aliir. #AFLPowerSaints pic.twitter.com/lHt34LvNqg
— AFL (@AFL) April 26, 2024
With Aliir eventually subbed out of the contest, the MRO graded the incident as high contact, careless conduct and severe impact, constituting three weeks.
Should Higgins be hit with such a ban, the goalsneak would miss St Kilda's matchups with North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Fremantle.
Still, the Saints could be keen to contest any suspension as Aliir's efforts to get a kick-off could be construed to have aided his eventual landing position.
The Power defender will miss at least the Showdown against Adelaide after entering the mandatory 12-day concussion protocols.
St Kilda has already contested an MRO decision at the Tribunal this season, with the club losing access to $10,000 in its soft cap after failing to overturn Max King's bump ban from Round 3.