Essendon key forward Peter Wright is set for a stint on the sidelines after being referred directly to the tribunal by the AFL’s match review officer on Sunday for his big hit on Sydney defender Harry Cunningham.
Cunningham was left concussed during the Swans’ 30-point on Saturday night in an incident that has been graded as careless conduct, high contact and severe impact.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Harry Cunningham knocked out by Peter Wright in brutal clash.
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Wright leaped into the air in a marking contest and braced for contact but caught Cunningham high in doing so.
MRO Michael Christian has not given the tribunal a recommended sanction for the hit, but a four-week suspension appears the most likely outcome.
It’s a huge blow for the Bombers, who were without their 2022 best and fairest for most of last year, and could again be forced to plug the massive hole he leaves in upcoming games against St Kilda, Port Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide in the next month.
Cunningham laid motionless on the ground for several minutes before leaving the field on a stretcher.
He was forced to enter the AFL’s strict concussion protocols and is certain to miss at least the Swans’ game against Richmond next week.
Essendon coach Brad Scott would not be drawn on questions over the incident after the game, but was quick to defend his player, speaking more generally.
“I’m not going to talk about the incident but the only thing I can say is Peter Wright is a well-known ball player — always has been, since he was a kid,” he said.
In what was a fiery clash at the SCG, Swans trio Nick Blakey, Justin McInerney and Tom McCartin, plus Bombers midfielder Jye Caldwell, also received fines for their involvement in the melee that broke out as a result of the Cunningham hit.
Separately, Essendon ruck Sam Draper was fined for rough conduct on Sydney veteran Jake Lloyd.