Champion duo Joel Selwood and Sam Mitchell are facing suspension after being involved in a heated exchange during West Coast’s 13-point win over Geelong at Domain Stadium.
Mitchell collected Selwood in the back of the head with an elbow during the first quarter on Thursday night before Selwood retaliated by unleashing his own strike.
Only Selwood was reported for the incident, but both players will be scrutinised by the AFL’s match review panel.
The pair also engaged in several other heated moments in what turned out to be a spiteful encounter between the decorated stars.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said he enjoyed the physical battle between the two players.
“I love seeing the champions go at it, and those guys are champions,” Scott said.
“They relish the battle. And true footy people relish watching it.
“So from a coaching perspective, you’ve got to make sure we give enough directions so the focus is on the right things.
“I’m sure Adam (Eagles coach Adam Simpson) would say the same thing – they’ve got a lot of faith in their best players to know when the right time is to engage in that stuff, and when the right time is to engage on the ball.
“And besides that incident that I only saw fleetingly, I didn’t see anything that concerned me as a coach with that sort of by-play.”
Simpson said the physicality displayed by Mitchell and the rest of his players was exactly what was needed following three straight losses.
“It’s probably what we’ve been lacking a little bit of, so that’s good,” he said.
The Cats will be sweating on the extent of injuries to Scott Selwood and Nakia Cockatoo after they both succumbed to hamstring issues in the 11.17 (83) to 10.10 (70) loss.
Scott is hopeful both injuries are at the minor end of the scale.
West Coast also have concerns, with young defender Jackson Nelson injuring his hamstring, and midfielder Matt Priddis needing attention on a thigh issue.
The Eagles’ seventh win moves them back into the top eight before next week’s home clash with Melbourne.
Simpson said forward Josh Kennedy, who has missed the past two games with a calf issue, would be “touch and go” to face the Demons.
Ruckman Scott Lycett will also be a chance to earn a recall if he makes it through Saturday’s WAFL hit-out unscathed.
Former Swan Lewis Jetta starred against the Cats, with his silky skills and pinpoint kicking proving crucial.
Jetta tallied 20 disposals and two goals to continue his strong run of recent form, and Simpson was happy to see the premiership wingman hitting his straps.
“The game did change a little bit over the last three or four years, and I reckon he’s adapted pretty well in the last six or seven weeks,” Simpson said.
Geelong (8-4) missed the chance to join GWS and Adelaide at the top of the table, but will start as hot favourites when they host Fremantle next week.
Forward Tom Hawkins will return from suspension, while fellow big man Mark Blicavs is expected to be back after missing the Eagles game through soreness.
Brad
Guest
You two would have to be two of the worst 'supporters' that I have ever seen. Biased views of players that never seem to be based off of anything more than a personal opinion, which usually exemplifies the masses of stupid comments on social media. "open a position for Venables" Venables is injured at the moment, 2-3 week toe injury. Rioli looks like a much better option anyway if we are really talking replacements without the concern of injuries and the such. "Sheed, only his second season or something" This year is Sheed's 4th year at the Eagles. "Yeo stood up again, could be a smoky for the Brownlow the way he is going, a goal kicking midfielder is something the Eagles havent had for a very long time." Yeo kicked 0.2 goals on Thursday night. Shuey averages just as many goals from the midfield as Yeo does, loved Yeo's game all the same. "Mitchell butchered nearly all his possessions" Granted Mitchell's disposal efficiency wasn't his best but even that aside still scored the highest AFL Fantasy score out of anyone for the night, was a tackling machine, only Priddis and Guthrie getting more than him for the night . Shuey, Priddis, Yeo, Sheppard, McGovern, LeCras, Cripps and Hutchings all had lower disposal efficiency than Mitchell, as did Dangerfield for interest sake, Cole had the exact same as Mitchell. "Hutch always gives a good contest, he would be my number one pick each week" Taking nothing away from the guy, he played a crucial role on Selwood for the night, even still as a tagger only got 4 tackles, and 5 possessions. Selwood who was playing a similar role for the cats had 8 tackles and 10 possessions and only played 3 quarters. Great stop gap but when we have a full list to choose from is not in our best 22.
Don Freo
Guest
These cases from Thursday should already have been dealt with.
Lroy
Guest
Yes, I was impressed with Duggan as well, he showed a hardness at the ball which we havent seen up till now. really happy to see that side of his game. Theres another young guy (Patzinger or something) who is apparently burning it up in the WAFL as well, hopefully he will make an appearance soon. Hutch always gives a good contest, he would be my number one pick each week. Sheed, only his second season or something, really developing into a class player. Time for McCinnes to get a shot at CHF I think... Jack out to a flank, and I think it could be curtains for the Frenchman. The young guy who came in down back had a good game too. I was pretty wrapped with that effort, they showed a bit of grit to steady when it looked like the Cats were going to overrun them. Yeo stood up again, could be a smoky for the Brownlow the way he is going, a goal kicking midfielder is something the Eagles havent had for a very long time. the Eagles arent far of it I think.. backline good, midfield getting better, forward line just needs a tinker. Coach must be finally listening to us ha ha ha
Gary
Guest
I didn't see Mitchell get Selwood in the head in Q1. The incident that everyone was commenting on was in Q2 - Selwood was reported for an elbow to the back of Mitchell's head. This was incorrectly reported at half time by John Ralph, in yet another off the mark "scoop" as Mitchell being reported for striking Selwood. Good one Ralphy!
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Jetta was good. Duggan was also good (about time he showed why he was our first round pick). McGovern showed he is not a forward. Vardy was excellent and is growing week by week. Mitchell butchered nearly all his possessions. Le Cras was missing and needs to go down to the twos to find some form and open a position for Venables. Hutch was terrific as a run with Selwood and should get a game each week. And finally Sheed is improving week by week. If only he had some pace!
Jon boy
Guest
A Good Game by Jetta But history suggest he can not sustain it..... especially when he jumps on the big bird.