Melbourne forward Aidan Johnson is under investigation for a high bump on St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera during a recent match. The incident, described by Fox Footy commentator Dwayne Russell as a “late hit,” raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. Following the collision, Wanganeen-Milera exited the field to undergo a head injury assessment but was deemed fit to return to the game.
The bump has placed Johnson in a precarious position, as he faces the possibility of a one-match suspension. The Australian Football League (AFL) generally considers head contact during such incidents seriously, although in this case, Wanganeen-Milera’s quick return might mitigate any penalties Johnson faces. Despite this, Fox Footy expert Jordan Lewis indicated that Johnson is likely to face repercussions for his actions.
Russell highlighted that Johnson did not attempt to play the ball, instead deliberately choosing to bump his opponent, which raises further questions about his intent on the field. Johnson is no stranger to discipline this season; he has already served a suspension for a dangerous tackle against GWS’s Callum Brown.
The controversy surrounding this incident has the potential to influence upcoming matches, as Johnson’s playing status remains uncertain pending the outcome of his review. The high-impact nature of the game and the emphasis on player safety make such incidents critical under scrutiny by the AFL.