Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett will face MRO scrutiny for a high bump on West Coast’s Jake Waterman in the opening moments of the match on Sunday.
Waterman fell to ground holding his head and received a free kick after Pickett flew through at speed, clipping the key forward’s head.
The Eagle was able to get up and take his kick, and hasn’t come from the ground, which will certainly help the Melbourne midfielder’s case.
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“Kozzy’s looking for the replay. He’s sweating on this replay like a lot of people are,” commentator Dwayne Russell told Fox Footy
Western Bulldogs champion Brad Johnson feels Pickett may dodge suspension, saying he didn’t brace to bump Waterman.
Kozzy Pickett clips Jake Waterman’s head. Fox Footy
“He’s put his hands down, he didn’t brace to bump him on that occasion,” Johnson said.
Pickett has found himself suspended by the MRO multiple times in his career already, including a three-game ban in 2024 for a high bump on Collingwood captain Darcy Moore. He’s been suspended four times since the 2023 season.
A ban would be a huge blow for Melbourne.
The 24-year-old has broken out this season as one of the game’s elite midfielders, averaging 24 disposals and five tackles and has kicked 12 goals.
Port Adelaide star Zak Butters avoiding a suspension for a bump to the head on Friday night will likely ease Melbourne fans’ worries.
The AFL has softened its stance on head high bumps under new head of football Greg Swann, after they effectively automatically resulted in one-game suspensions in 2024 and 2025.
Harry Edwards comes from the game bleeding from the head. Fox Footy
It was an eventful start to the Eagles-Dees game, with West Coast defender Harry Edwards forced from the ground after copping a friendly-fire elbow to the head that left him bleeding profusely.
He was donning a protective helmet for this game, and had to remove it as blood streamed from his forehead.
Edwards did not return to the game and failed his concussion testing in the rooms.
A tough blow for the 24-year-old who has already suffered two other concussions in 2026.