AFL suspension looms for ‘perfect’ tackle

The policing of dangerous tackles will again be in the spotlight when the AFL match review panel meets.

A week after Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield copped a one-game ban for his challenge on Matthew Kreuzer, a similar fate awaits Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy.

The Magpies ruckman is certain to face MRP scrutiny on Monday for a tackle on Ben Brown during Saturday night’s game at Etihad Stadium which left the Kangaroos spearhead concussed.

Brown was sent to hospital for observation after his head hit the turf in a tackle similar to Dangerfield’s challenge on Carlton big man Kreuzer.

The 24-year-old Brown took to social media on Sunday saying he was feeling good and resting at home, but it’s unclear whether he’ll be available for next week’s game against Hawthorn.

Grundy was paid a free kick for holding the ball in what coach Nathan Buckley described as a “perfect tackle”.

But like Dangerfield, Grundy is expected to pay the price for pinning his opponent’s arms and denying him the opportunity to protect his head.

An emotional Grundy said he had no intention to hurt Brown, but AFL legend Leigh Matthews had no doubt it would lead to a suspension.

“The fact is if Dangerfield gets a week, Grundy has to get a week,” he said on the Seven Network’s AFL Game Day.

“It’s the same – pinned the arms, head hits the ground – and I agree with that, to be honest.

“The big picture is trying to make the game safer, and I’m for that.”

North Melbourne prime mover Ben Cunnington will face MRP scrutiny for a high bump on Tyson Goldsack.

The MRP will also examine two incidents involving Greater Western Sydney big man Shane Mumford during their win over Melbourne in Canberra.

Mumford dumped debutant Corey Maynard to the turf in a heavy second-quarter tackle, before ironing out direct opponent Max Gawn with a fearsome bump in the third.

Essendon’s Zach Merrett is certain to be sanctioned for his gut punch on Lachie Plowman during the Bombers’ win over Carlton.

St Kilda’s Luke Dunstan was reported for tripping West Coast’s Jack Redden during Sunday’s game at Etihad Stadium.

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