2 weeks Ago
Richmond forward Rhyan Mansell is facing the prospect of a landmark suspension . O'Connell was shoved into the direction of Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch during the first quarter of the Saints' 82-point demolition at Docklands on Saturday. When attacking the ball, Lynch unintentionally collided with O'Connell, leaving the Irishman dazed and confused, and he was subbed out of the contest shortly after.
Players pushing opponents into dangerous positions has emerged as a trend this season, but the match review officer is yet to suspend anyone for the act. But that could change on Sunday after the AFL recently issued a memo to clubs warning them of the dangers of recklessly pushing other players. A suspension for Mansell could be as many as three games, with a possible grading of careless conduct, high contact and severe impact.
Richmond's number one draft pick, Sam Lalor, suffered a broken jaw and a concussion in a pre-season game in February after being nudged into a contest by West Coast's Reuben Ginbey. Tigers coach Adem Yze made sure to reference that incident when asked about Mansell's push. "Based on previous incidents, I don't think that has been an issue," Yze said.
"So hopefully ours isn't either. "We had Sammy Lalor break his jaw, if it is a similar incident, so it's pretty hard to change the rules during the season." Host Catherine Murphy is joined by premiership-winning coach Paul Roos to bring you your daily dose of AFL conversation.
The team give you context and depth beyond the headlines in this footy conversation that's equal parts thoughtful, insightful and fun. Emerging St Kilda star Mitch Owens copped a shoulder injury during a pre-season match when he was pushed into an opponent. Sidelined Brisbane Lions defender Brandon Starcevich suffered the first of his two concussions this year when he was shoved into a contest in a practice game against Adeaide.
Saints coach Ross Lyon claimed he hadn't seen the incident that led to O'Connell being forced out of the game and into concussion protocols. "He's got a shiner, but I know you're not going to believe this, but I didn't see it, so I didn't review it," Lyon said. "I'll leave it to the power brokers, the decision makers.
"Clearly, it seems like it's a head office situation." The ABC of SPORT.
