Peter Wright sent directly to AFL Tribunal for Harry Cunningham hit

Essendon can prepare for life without its key forward in the near future after he learned his fate from the AFL Tribunal.

Harry Cunningham and Peter Wright. Photos: Getty Images/News Corp

Essendon’s Peter Wright could be set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after being referred directly to the AFL Tribunal for his heavy hit on Swan Harry Cunningham.

In the opening quarter at the SCG the towering Bombers forward slammed into Cunningham in a “shocking” collision.

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Cunningham sat under the ball as Wright came storming in from a long way back before he tucked his arm in and left the ground before collecting his opponent.

The Swans star hit the turf in a heap as he laid on the ground out cold before play was eventually brought to a halt.

As trainers rushed out to his side, Sydney players began taking it up to Wright as a brawl broke out on the 50m arc.

Harry Cunningham and Peter Wright. Photos: Getty Images/News Corp

The players ended up in a melee after the heavy hit. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Cunningham was left concussed and the incident has been graded careless conduct, high contact and severe impact.

CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy wrote: “Swans trainers calling for the stretcher here for Harry Cunningham after being hit by Wright. He has barely moved. Wright didn’t even make an attempt for the ball. Shocking stuff.”

News Corps’ Tim Michell wrote: “Peter Wright just booked himself a month holiday.”

After the game, Essendon coach Brad Scott wouldn’t answer questions on the incident, but defending his key forward.

“I’m not going to talk about the incident, but the only thing I can say is Peter Wright is a well-known ball player — always has been, since he was a kid,” he said.

Cunningham was forced into the AFL’s concussion protocols and will miss the unbeaten Swans’ clash with Richmond at the MCG next Sunday.

A melee broke out on the ground following Wright’s hit and Sydney’s Nick Blakey, Justin McInerney and Tom McCartin, plus Bombers midfielder Jye Caldwell, have received fines.