Essendon’s Peter Wright has been swiftly referred to the AFL Tribunal by the match review officer due to his high bump on Sydney’s Harry Cunningham, causing a concussion. This action came after Sydney Swans player Tom Papley drew attention to Essendon’s aggressive play during a provocative interview at halftime.
Wright is expected to receive a suspension of three to four weeks, as the MRO categorized the incident as careless conduct with severe impact and high contact. The collision occurred within the first four minutes of their match at the SCG on Saturday night when Wright, the Bombers’ key forward, collided with Cunningham’s head while not focusing on the ball. Cunningham was subsequently substituted out of the game due to his concussion.
Papley’s halftime interview saw him warning Wright of an impending “holiday,” while also criticizing Essendon’s physicality during the match, labeling it as a facade. This led to Wright being targeted by opposition players and booed by Swans fans for the remainder of the game.
Additionally, Swans players Nick Blakey, Justin McInerney, Tom McCartin, and Bomber Jye Caldwell were fined for their involvement in a skirmish during the intense first quarter.
Papley’s comments during his halftime interview highlighted Essendon’s aggressive tactics, focusing on off-the-ball pressure rather than playing the ball itself. He emphasized the importance of his team staying focused on the game despite the physicality from the opposition.
Despite Essendon coach Brad Scott’s prior remarks about wanting his team to play with an “Essendon edge,” he refrained from commenting directly on Wright’s incident. Scott defended Wright’s style of play, attributing it to his nature as a skilled ball player, and justified the team’s physical approach as a necessary tactic against Sydney’s dominant ball movement.
Furthermore, Essendon’s Sam Draper received a $2500 fine for his collision with Sydney’s Jake Lloyd, which resulted in a 50-meter penalty. Sydney coach John Longmire expressed disappointment over losing Cunningham to injury, attributing it to Essendon’s stated intent to play with physicality.
The findings from the MRO regarding incidents from Saturday’s matches are expected to be released on Sunday evening.