Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir will miss at least a week of footy with concussion after hitting his head on the ground in a tackle that could land St Kilda forward Jack Higgins in trouble with the AFL’s match review officer.
Aliir took possession of the ball in a congested area during the second quarter on Friday night when Higgins pinned one of his arms and slung him into the Adelaide Oval turf.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aliir Aliir slung to the ground in concerning tackle.
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Higgins was immediately penalised for a dangerous tackle as Aliir laid motionless on the ground in obvious for a brief moment.
The dynamic defender slowly staggered to his feet and took his kick, but was quickly taken from the ground to be assessed by Port’s medical staff, who made the swift decision to sub him out of the game.
His concussion means Aliir will miss at least the Showdown next week with Adelaide under the AFL’s concussion protocols.
“That’s the one they’re trying to bring in (rules) to protect (this from happening),” Luke Hodge said on commentary.
“The pinning of the arm, forcibly pulling him down.”
Matthew Richardson added: “He might have to come off, Aliir, for an assessment, I’d reckon.
“They’d be looking at that on the bench, the Port medicos.
“The problem is, Aliir coming down, he’s got no way of protecting himself because he’s obviously holding the ball in the other hand (that wasn’t being pinned).”
Hodge was certain the incident would be scrutinised by the MRO.
“He pinned an arm and forced him to the ground — that’s definitely going to be trouble,” Hodge added.
But speaking at half time, after processing the incident further, Hodge said he empathised with the tackler somewhat.
“You feel for Jack, because Aliir, he tries to kick the ball, so all his strength is taken away from his legs,” Hodge said.
“But this is what the AFL are trying to take out; any time their arm is pinned, you can’t fling them to the ground.
“It’s good that he was able to run off, but he’s gone down to get a check, so we’ll have to wait and see how it goes.”
More to come …