Melbourne star forward Jacob van Rooyen is set to come under scrutiny for a high shot on Aliir Aliir during the Demons’ clash against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
Van Rooyen was attacking the ball on a lead when Aliir cut in front for him for an intercept mark. But just as the Power star completed the mark, Van Rooyen’s attempted spoil went horribly wrong and he ended up collecting the Power defender flush in the face.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Van Royen under scrutiny for high shot on Aliir
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Aliir, who was playing his 200th AFL game, ended up face down on the ground in worrying scenes.
Van Rooyen was immediately apologetic when he realised what had happed as trainers rushed over to help Aliir.
He was eventually able to get to his feet and then came from the field in the hands of the trainers.
But the defender failed his HIA, which also ends his season given the Power cannot make finals.
Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley predicted “trouble” for the Melbourne key forward.
“You can’t do that. It’s a swinging arm – unnecessary. He clearly wasn’t going to mark the ball,” he said.
“I think it’s clumsy but the outcome is pretty diabolical for Port.
“That’s trouble. Big trouble. Eye off the ball and swinging hand into Aliir.
“Not trying to put anyone into trouble but Darcy Fogarty, I’ve seen do something similar … that’s an aerial contest where he does take his eye off the ball just late. Then he commits to making forceful contact.”
If the incident is assessed as high contact and severe impact then van Rooyen is staring down the barrel of a three-match ban.
The Demons will play at least one final, but his availability for that and any future finals is in serious doubt.
Van Rooyen is enjoying a breakout season, topping 40 goals for the first time in his career.
He has become the focal point of the Demons’ high-functioning forward line and his absence would leave them with a massive hole in the finals.
Melbourne play the Western Bulldogs next week, needing to win to guarantee a top-six finish.
More to come …
