AFL MRO round 8: The latest MRO updates from across the competition

The debate around pushing opponents into contests is set to rage again after Jeremy McGovern was hurt against the Dees. JON RALPH writes however, this won’t be like Rhyan Mansell’s case.

Melbourne forward Jake Melksham is certain to be cleared to take on Hawthorn next week despite the marking contest that saw opponent Jeremy McGovern concussed in a collision with teammate Harry Petty.

Melksham’s push on McGovern saw the Eagles best-and-fairest winner clash heads with Petty, who was also given a small shove into the contest by Reuben Ginbey.

But Melksham’s eyes were on the ball, he used his forearm rather than arms to push McGovern, and he ended up marking the ball.

Slow motion footage of the incident also sees McGovern’s foot stepped up, which saw him tripping up and falling into the contest.

While Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell was suspended for three weeks for pushing opponent Liam O’Connell into the path of Tom Lynch, the incidents bore very little similarity.

Melksham will be confident he is free to take on the Hawks, with coach Simon Goodwin adamant he had done nothing wrong and that Petty was pushed.

Petty will miss the Hawks game in the concussion protocols.

“I watched it a few times and I’m pretty clear that Melksham was contesting the ball – he marks the ball. You could argue whether it’s a free kick or not,” Goodwin said after the 32-point victory.

“If you watch the concussion of Petty pretty closely, how he got into that contest will be scrutinised as well I’m sure.”

Eagles debutante Bo Allan can expect to be suspended for the round-arm spoil on Melbourne star Jack Viney as he attempted to intercept the ball in the second half.

Allan never even looked at the ball and got Viney high, momentarily felling the Demons leader.

A medium-level force assessment would see him missing against Richmond alongside McGovern.

Port Adelaide’s in-form forward Willie Rioli will be scrutinised for a behind-the-play incident with Western Bulldogs Bailey Dale.

Dale was clipped by Rioli in an open-handed cuff to the head but the AFL will have to assess whether it is forceful enough for a report.

The AFL has the option of a low-level fine for Rioli which would see him cleared to take on Adelaide in Saturday night’s showdown.

Mitch Hinge was suspended last week for a forceful hit and Adam Cerra given a week, then downgraded to a fine at the tribunal, but both of those hits were more forceful.

Mitch Georgiades will also be scrutinised for a tackle on Bulldog James Harmes but the onballer had a hand free and was able to brace for his fall.

Originally published as AFL MRO round 8: The latest MRO updates from across the competition