Carlton young gun Harry Dean’s Rising Star hopes hang in the balance, with the Blues defender facing Match Review Officer scrutiny for a dangerous tackle on Brisbane’s Cam Rayner.
The No.3 draft pick continued his outstanding debut season in the Blues’ stirring 76-point win over the reigning premiers, gathering 15 disposals while blanketing Lions star and All-Australian hopeful Logan Morris.
But the victory could be soured if the 18-year old is suspended by MRO Michael Christian, after forcibly dumping Rayner to ground in a heavy tackle in the third quarter at Marvel Stadium.
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“He had him done there – didn’t need that bit,” former Richmond sharpshooter Jack Riewoldt said of the incident on Fox Footy.
Is Harry Dean in trouble for this dangerous tackle on Cam Rayner?Source: FOX SPORTS
A suspension would rule Dean out of contention for the AFL Rising Star Award, having emerged as one of the favourites alongside Blues teammate Jagga Smith and West Coast No.1 pick Willem Duursma.
It would be the third time in three years a favourite has been ruled ineligible for the award due to suspension, after West Coast star Harley Reid and Western Bulldogs giant Sam Darcy both copped bans in 2024.
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It would also be a major blow to the Blues’ backline stocks, having also been without star defender Jacob Weitering with a calf injury since May.
Having moved to 10th on the AFL ladder, next Sunday evening’s clash with the 11th-placed St Kilda looms as a potential play-off for a wildcard finals spot, making Dean’s availability of paramount importance.
Speaking after the match, Fox Footy reporter Jay Clark said the incident was “borderline” worthy of a suspension – but that Dean might be saved by Rayner’s right arm being left free in the tackle, as well as the Lion’s quick recovery.
“See how he gets his right hand around and just braces for contact? That might see that it falls in the ‘low’ force category, which is a fine and not a suspension,” Clark said.
“Rayner popped up like a sprinkler after that – we know they take into account the outcome and the impact.
“He’ll have a nervous night … more likely a fine, potentially, but it is a borderline situation.”
Dean might be out of the running for the Rising Star regardless of his eligibility, with Smith’s best-afield performance on Saturday night making his case even more compelling.
Blues stun the Lions | 02:36
The pre-season favourite for the award gathered 29 disposals and six clearances in a dominant display in midfield, kicking two goals to boot.
One even came midway through the last quarter mere moments after former North Melbourne great David King began spruiking Dean’s chances.
“That might be your answer there, Kingy!” Fox Footy commentator Anthony Hudson proclaimed.
“Even if you just mention Harry Dean, he says “uh-uh, it’s mine!” Engrave it now!” King said.
“He just totally owned the first half … that is a moment.”
Lions star Kai Lohmann is also in hot water over a dangerous tackle on Blue Matt Cottrell.
Lohmann won a holding the ball free after tackling Cottrell to ground in the third quarter, with the midfielder’s head hitting the ground.
Kai Lohmann had plenty to say to Matt Cottrell after a heavy tackle.Source: FOX SPORTS
The goalsneak then gave the Blue a mouthful to spark a heated confrontation as Cottrell’s teammates stuck up for him.
“His head does bounce off the ground there at the end,” Clark said.
“It was more of a drag down than a sling. He’s got hold of that right hand.
“Is there enough force with his head hitting the ground for it to deserve a one-match suspension?”
Riewoldt added that he would be “happy” to see Lohmann receive a week’s ban.
“We’ve also got to get rid of this pushing players like that. It just does me,” he said.
King deemed it a “tool tax”, while also comparing the incident to Kangaroos forward Paul Curtis’ three-match suspension for a controversial dangerous tackle on West Coast’s Hamish Davis in June.
“If it’s Paul Curtis, he gets three weeks,” King said.