The fact that captain Patrick Dangerfield has been handed a one-match suspension has made Geelong’s crushing defeat to Carlton and injury to Tom Hawkins worse.
The video of Dangerfield’s risky tackle on Sam Walsh during the Cats’ Friday night 63-point loss to Carlton at the MCG has been examined by match review officer Michael Christian.
Walsh’s head struck the ground as Dangerfield tackled him from behind, pinning his arms. Christian assessed the incident as high contact, medium impact, and careless behaviour, which resulted in a one-match suspension.
The Cats are considering their options for contesting the suspension before the AFL tribunal. A club representative stated that a choice would be made soon.
Following the tackle, Walsh stated he was given the all-clear medically to resume playing.
That was acceptable. I felt OK after it, took my kick, and was set to go even though I felt like I had both of my arms trapped and my momentum had gone into the ground. I felt rejuvenated,” Walsh said on 3AW.
Walsh was among the Blues’ best throughout the game, recording 33 disposals in a victory that cemented their title as champions.
Dangerfield will miss Essendon’s crucial match at the MCG on Saturday night if they decide not to challenge.
Chris Scott, the coach of the Cats, stated on Friday night that he was not worried about the tackle’s legality.
According to how the ball is now being interpreted, Scott stated, “you are very likely to get a free kick for holding the ball if you have hold of an arm.”
“With that kind of momentum, you both fall to the ground. Pat didn’t sling him; instead, he had more of an arm. That’s how I perceived it.
But during match broadcast on Fox Footy, Melbourne great Garry Lyon and Richmond triple-premiership player Jack Riewoldt stated that Dangerfield was probably going to have an explanation to give.
Lyon stated, “This has all the makings of some problems for Danger—both arms are locked away there.”
“That’s trouble for mine, both arms are pinned, and he dropped his body weight,” Riewoldt remarked.
In the Cats’ sixth loss in their last seven games, Dangerfield—who had not played since round seven due to injury—finished with 17 disposals and four clearances. The Cats, who were unbeaten after seven rounds, now have an 8-6 win-loss record. They had only triumphed over the dreary Richmond team in the previous seven games.
Gryan Miers of the Cats was fined $3750 for striking Lachlan Cowan.
The Cats’ problems were made worse on Friday when Tom Hawkins, who turns 36 next month, hobbled off the pitch towards the end of the third quarter after pushing off with his left foot and collapsing to the ground.
The results of scans will reveal how serious the damage is.
Following the 2022 Grand Final, Hawkins underwent foot surgery, causing him to miss the most of the preseason.
Scott stated that after the foot was thoroughly examined, Hawkins, a five-time All-Australian, would have a better knowledge.
“He had to be helped off due to a foot problem; it’s mid-foot; he had a toe problem, but that’s a long way off. I really don’t have anything else to say, and neither do the specialists we have,” Scott remarked.
“They are not suggesting that the season may be ending, and I also don’t want to allay worries because we are worried, but I also don’t want to draw hasty judgements.”
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