The AFL community is divided on the potential consequences awaiting Essendon’s tall forward, Peter Wright.
Wright’s collision with Sydney’s Harry Cunningham, which left Cunningham unconscious on the SCG field, has sparked controversy.
The match review officer deemed Wright’s action as careless conduct, resulting in severe impact and high contact. This occurred when Wright leaped to contest a mark and collided with Cunningham’s head.
There’s been extensive debate over whether Peter Wright genuinely aimed to mark the ball.
With his referral straight to the tribunal, it’s anticipated that the AFL will push for a minimum four-game suspension. This stance is supported by footy legend Leigh Matthews, who suggests that should be the starting point.
Matthews expressed his view on Nine’s Footy Furnace, stating, “It was a three or four-weeker from the time you saw it. Cunningham is off for the game – that is where there should be a send-off rule mechanism so the player who did it, in this case Wright, he’s off for the game too, just to even up the numbers.”
The discussion about implementing a send-off rule in the AFL reignited following Jimmy Webster’s forceful hit on North Melbourne’s Jy Simpkin in the pre-season.
Although Webster was suspended for seven weeks for his action, there are differences in circumstances as he wasn’t contesting a mark and chose to jump off the ground and lead with his shoulder after Simpkin had released the ball.
Legendary coach Mick Malthouse, who previously suggested introducing a red card, now stands in Wright’s corner regarding the incident on Saturday night.
Malthouse shared his perspective on Nine’s Today, saying, “(Wright) turned his body, I’m not 100 per cent sure he meant to do it… I’d give him one or two weeks frankly, at best.”
He emphasized the need for realistic assessment, considering the significant height difference between Wright and Cunningham.
Wright is slated to appear before the tribunal on Tuesday evening.
