Star Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia has been subbed off with concussion after receiving a heavy hit to the head from All-Australian Geelong defender Tom Stewart.
Key points:
- Tom Stewart hit Dion Prestia high and late after the ball had gone
- Stewart is likely to be facing at least a three-game suspension, but possibly more
- The MRO will release his findings on Sunday
Prestia was dazed and confused following the incident in the first quarter of Saturday’s monster round 15 game at the MCG.
The triple premiership star had tapped a loose ball to Tigers teammate Jack Graham before Stewart came in late and struck Prestia with his elbow.
Prestia was helped off the ground by trainers and then replaced in the match by Richmond big man Ivan Soldo.
The incident is certain to attract attention from the match review officer (MRO) and Stewart could be facing a hefty suspension.
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If the MRO judges the hit to be intentional with a high degree of impact, Stewart would be facing a three-game ban.
If the MRO says the impact was “severe”, Stewart would be sent straight to the tribunal and could be facing four weeks or more on the sidelines.
The MRO’s verdict will be handed down on Sunday evening.
Stewart was in deep conversation with Cats coach Chris Scott during the quarter-time break as the 29-year-old appeared to be upset with his actions.
ABC/AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
