Melbourne’s defender Judd McVee faces the possibility of suspension following a late hit on Port Adelaide’s Joe Richards, which connected with his jaw. Although the incident drew a noticeable reaction from the crowd at Adelaide Oval, no free kick was awarded. Richards continued to play and wasn’t removed for a concussion assessment, a fact that might work in McVee’s favour with the Match Review Officer (MRO).
However, due to the MRO’s stringent rules regarding head-high contact, former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes speculates that McVee may still be sidelined for a week. Cornes commented on Channel Seven, stating, “It’s a week, for me. To leave your feet, to not attempt to smother or bump, regardless of the outcome, that’s a week.”
In addition to the bump, McVee may also face penalties for a separate incident in which he punched Mitch Georgiades in the gut later in the game. This action awarded Georgiades a free kick and led to a rare goal opportunity for Port Adelaide, just after they had scored.
The match itself was marked by tensions, with multiple confrontations occurring throughout the first half. Overall, it was a fiery contest, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams.