Melbourne's Kysaiah Pickett is set for a nervous wait ahead of the Match Review Officer's findings from Friday night's game against the Crows, with a high bump by the Demons ace set to be scrutinised.
A second-quarter collision on Adelaide's Jake Soligo by Pickett caught the Crows half-forward high, with the officiating umpire paying a down-field free-kick for the incident.
Pickett is seen leaving the ground and moving his right arm, which made high contact with Soligo and floored the Crow.
The act is expected to be included in the MRO's findings from the Gather Round opener, with Pickett potentially facing a week out of action.
The MRO is likely to grade Pickett's bump on Soligo as careless conduct, along with a contact grading of high.
The level of impact will likely decide whether Pickett is fined or suspended, with a 'low' impact grading - coupled with careless conduct and high contact - meaning the Demons star would be hit with a fine.
Kozzy Pickett caught Jake Soligo high here - will he face scrutiny from the MRO?#AFLCrowsDees pic.twitter.com/4itOD41OB1
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 4, 2024
A 'medium' impact grading would mean Pickett is handed a one-game suspension.
With the Demons scheduled for a Round 6 bye, a one-game suspension for Pickett would mean he wouldn't be available until Round 7 - missing next week's meeting with Brisbane before returning on April 24 against Richmond.
While understanding the incident will gain attention, coach Simon Goodwin played down any concern surrounding Pickett's intent.
"I've only seen it briefly, obviously he was trying to smother a handball," Goodwin said after the 15-point win.
"That'll be looked at during the week I'm sure, but we just wait and see on it.
"He puts enormous pressure on, he tries to intercept the ball. That's his game. He's modified a lot of what he's done. Previously I don't see that in his game much at all. anymore."
Pickett has a recent history of ugly high bumps, having been suspended for one game to start the current season for a hit on Carlton's Patrick Cripps during the finals last year.
The premiership Demon was also handed a two-game suspension at the start of the 2023 season for a high bump on Western Bulldogs player Bailey Smith.
