The bump faces a serious test case on Tuesday night with the Western Bulldogs’ Zaine Cordy referred directly to the Tribunal for a hit that saw GWS’ Tanner Bruhn concussed.
Cordy made shoulder to shoulder contact with Bruhn during the Bulldogs’ Round 22 win, sending the young Giant to the ground where his head hit the Marvel Stadium turf.
Bruhn suffered a concussion but the incident took place within the legal five meters of the ball, as Cordy was shepherding for teammate Ed Richards.
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The confusing elements of the case have seen it sent straight to the Tribunal without actually being graded by Match Review Officer Michael Christian.
“The incident involving the Western Bulldogs’ Zaine Cordy and the GWS Giants’ Tanner Bruhn during the fourth quarter of the Round 22 match between the Western Bulldogs and the GWS Giants, played at Marvel Stadium on Saturday 13 August, 2022, was assessed,” the AFL said in a statement.
“The notice of charge has been referred directly to the Court for determination.
“The incident is ungraded.
“Cordy is not able to accept an early plea.”
The most recent incident referred to the Tribunal ungraded before this was Eric Hipwood’s umpire contact involving Ryan Gardner and Jacob Mollison in Round 16. He eventually avoided suspension, but was found guilty and fined $2500.
“Zaine Cordy runs past the ball, he hits Tanner Bruhn within the legal five-meter limit. He didn’t hit him in the head, it was shoulder to shoulder,” Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph explained on Fox Footy’s coverage on Sunday.
“But Bruhn is concussed – potentially when his head hits the ground after that shepherd. This is such a tough case for Michael Christian to adjudicate.”
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