Collingwood’s Mason Cox might be more clumsy than malicious, but that defence is unlikely to sway AFL match review officer Michael Christian.
The 211cm American forward was reported for rough conduct for a high bump on the Western Bulldogs’ Jason Johannisen in the Pies’ 13.12 (90) to 8.7 (55) win on Friday night.
On the face of it, Cox appears to be in danger of missing next week’s clash against Fremantle at the MCG.
He elected to bump and collected Johannisen’s head when the Bulldogs’ defender was bent over to take possession of the ball in the final term at Etihad Stadium.
“He’s a clumsy big fella at the best of times,” coach Nathan Buckley said of Cox.
“It was a clumsy contest, but we’ll wait and see how that pans out.
“The size differential is always tough for him. He’s going to collect guys high more often than not in that circumstance.”
Cox’s saving grace could be that Johannisen bounced back up and was able to play out the game.
The Pies improved to a 6-4 record after trailing by 26 points early in the second quarter.
They achieved the win without Travis Varcoe for much of the second half after he suffered a hamstring injury.
“He said he didn’t feel that much (pain) but just tightened up so we’ll see how he tracks,” Buckley reported.
Adam Treloar was prolific with 40 possessions and two goals, Tom Phillips was eye-catching with 36 touches and a goal and skipper Scott Pendlebury was influential with 32 disposals and a goal.
“The last half, in particular, was a really strong example of the brand that we want to play more often,” Buckley said.
“Hopefully we’re getting closer to it and doing it better week by week.
“I think we’re starting to demonstrate that we’re a potential top eight side.”
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yeah Mattician I saw Mayne do that against the Dogs, led with head into a pack to draw a free. Worried he will break his neck doing that!
User
Roar Rookie
Of course Pete, bigger story is players knowingly turning into situations that draws a free and other players involved copping reports, fines or suspension imho
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I had to take a look at this to see why it got 27 comments for such s minor event! He got a fine and we move on surely fellas!
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Me too.
User
Roar Rookie
No case to answer, correct call for reasons you gave.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I agree with everything you just said.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Tell me at the 0.24 second mark of the vid on the Roar that you don't see JJ eye off Cox and immediately drop his neck and head, vertically towards the ground - rather than turn side on, as most people would do. My reading of that footage he knew Cox was coming and maximised the 'ugliness' of the collision for lack of a better term, in hopes of drawing the free kick. I reckon JJ absolutely breached his duty of care. I can't see how anyone looking at that move doesn't say that's deliberate.
Peter
Guest
Don't dare disagree with you because you're really special and you know more than anyone including some polysyllabic words and are a guru and like, just everything? Or you're an opinionated prat.
Chet
Guest
Yeah if its a fine rather than suspension it will be because JJ turned into it a bit.
Chet
Guest
Oh please - Cox was trying to bump JJ away from the ball so Cox could get it himself - that is playing footy. Oh and Cox was well and truly bent over, he wasn't even remotely standing upright. Having said that the head is supposedly sacrosanct (apparently unless you are Buddy :-)) so there has to be a penalty of some kind - reprimand and fine or a week seems to be about the right range for mine
Macho
Guest
Foxtel are running a campaign about how their commentators are better. How about doing Friday night AFL with Fox commentators because I cant watch with thickhead Ling stating the obvious every time he speaks. He acts about 14
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I think you’ll find my second comment was in direct reference to your comment. You must have missed the sarcastic element of it too.
Kane
Roar Rookie
What in the world does you having a better anatomy knowledge have to do with this conversation? You're drawing at straws now. And you might want to look at your second comment to find where you commented about the shoulder.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I never said anything of the sort - you’re just making stuff up now. I simple said he didn’t hit the head. You’re the one who brought the shoulder into the discussion. If you want to change the argument, I’m happy with that. I’m also pretty confident my anatomy knowledge far surpasses that of yours. He hit with a driving force through the brachial plexus and scapulothoracic region - not the head or shoulder. That’s what the vision shows, irrespective of how some amateur reporter / medico may write it up. The only thing I agree with you on is it could have resulted in a serious spinal injury. However, a lot of incidents could result In the same outcome. If the AFL wants to outlaw this... fine, but it must be consistent. Just like you need to be in order to convince me otherwise.
Kane
Roar Rookie
You initially said shoulder but it was head. I'm not changing my opinion, I'm saying how it was. Cry, integrity? What in the world are you even talking about?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Because you initially said shoulder. Now your story is the head. That’s not nitpicking, that’s just rehashing what you said. You’re entitled to your opinion, but don’t change your opinion just to be argumentative, especially against someone like me. If you do want to change your opinion, don’t cry when someone challenges your integrity, along with whatever point you’re trying to make.
User
Roar Rookie
Tend to agree TTF, also doesn't have any bearing on my side so if he cops a week no worries, my only issue is players Turing into contact to draw free needs to be taken into account when ban is considered
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Not too unhappy if he gets a week for that. Made zero attempt to contest the ball. Clumsy, sure. No excuse though.
Kane
Roar Rookie
Whether you are confident in your own appraisal means Jacks$%t. How is your appraisal more consistent than mine? Please enlighten me
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I’m confident and consistent in ‘my’ appraisal of the situation. You’re clearly not, just like the AFL and its little puppet.