Collingwood star Jordan De Goey faces a ban of several games that will make him ineligible for the Brownlow Medal after being referred to the AFL tribunal.
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His bump that concussed West Coast youngster Elijah Hewett on Saturday at Optus Stadium was graded careless conduct, severe impact and high contact, meaning the tribunal will determine De Goey's fate.
De Goey's referral ensures he will face a ban of at least three games and anything less would be a tribunal win for the Magpies.
Geelong defender Tom Stewart was banned for four games last year after his bump ironed out Richmond onballer Dion Prestia.
That is being seen as a comparison for De Goey's hearing, although the AFL has toughened its stand on high contact since then.
Coach Craig McRae defended De Goey, who has been in outstanding form this season and will be a big loss for the Magpies, and added their thoughts were with Hewett.
"'Jords' is a fair player and the rules will be the rules. It's split seconds, isn't it? Do I go in and tackle, or do I bump or smother?" McRae said post-match.
"He's a great kid, Jordy. I don't know how he is personally, emotionally after the game, but he's a fair player and I think history will show that."
Hewett's teammate Dom Sheed did not mince his words, telling 6PR that De Goey deserves a lengthy suspension.
"I actually didn't see it (at the time). I kept looking at the big screen and kept missing it," he said.
"But I heard it was pretty bad. The boys probably didn't respond the way we should've when that happened. But watching it back now, I think he deserves a good month or two on the sidelines."
The Magpies have their annual King's Birthday meeting with Melbourne next Monday, followed by a round-14 bye and a home game against Adelaide, then a trip to Gold Coast.
Will Hoskin-Elliott (ankle) and Beau McCreery (foot) were injured in the win over the Eagles, joining Steele Sidebottom (knee) on the sidelines.
But Demons midfielder James Harmes also faces a one-game ban for his high bump on Carlton opponent Matthew Cottrell during Friday night's win.
West Coast defender Liam Duggan faces a one-game suspension for his dangerous tackle on Magpies onballer Taylor Adams.
Australian Associated Press
