Fremantle youngster Matthew Johnson appears destined for a dip in hot water after dealing out a sling tackle of former Brisbane skipper Dayne Zorko.
Johnson is set to face the ire of the match review officer, with his tackle on Zorko starting high and finishing with a sling and a subsequent dump motion that left the veteran Lion visibly dazed.
The 20-year-old was reported on the spot by the adjudicating umpire.
The former second-round draftee will be waiting with bated breath for MRO Michael Christian's verdict on Sunday evening, almost certainly knowing full well that he will be spending some time on the sidelines.
Matthew Johnson was penalised for this tackle on Dayne Zorko in the second term.#AFLLionsFreo pic.twitter.com/FmlMBhUX0i
— AFL (@AFL) April 29, 2023
Christian has had his hands busy dealing with similar tackles this season, already rubbing out premiership Tiger Nathan Broad for a month following his crude tackle on young Crow Patrick Parnell, as well as banning Giant Callan Ward and Blues forward Jesse Motlop for their respective Round 6 slings on Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and returning Saint Tim Membrey.
Given Johnson's sloppy effort began high, as well as the precedent set, it appears likely that the Subiaco product will be spending multiple weeks outside of head coach Justin Longmuir's plans.
Johnson has pulled on the purple and white on four occasions this season, making his AFL debut as the sub during the Dockers' Derby win over West Coast in Round 3.
The MRO's verdict relating to incidents cited during Saturday's slate of games is set to be released at some stage on Sunday evening.