Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin faces a nervous wait after an apparent strike to the face of Richmond veteran Trent Cotchin.
The incident occurred in the first half of the two teams’ clash at the SCG, when a frustrated Franklin lashed out at Cotchin after the Tigers midfielder paid close attention to the Swans star in the forward 50.
Franklin was initially awarded a free kick for holding the man as he tussled with Cotchin, before a pair of right-handed strikes to Cotchin’s jaw resulted in the free kick being reversed.
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While the strike will likely be classified as both intentional and high by AFL match review officer, Michael Christian, it remains to be seen what the level of force is deemed to be, given Cotchin didn’t go to ground as a result of Franklin’s swinging right hand.
The incident left those watching confused over what the outcome would be for Franklin.
“Either (there was contact) or Trent should go to Hollywood,” Collingwood great Nathan Buckley said on Fox Footy’s coverage.
“I’ve got a sneaking suspicion there was contact. Definitely contact and he’s thrown it, I don’t know how you can argue it isn’t deliberate.”
AFLW star Daisy Pearce begged to differ.
“I think he’ll be right, I think he went for a push on the chest and slipped a bit high,” she said on Seven’s coverage,
“They won’t like the look of it the AFL, but it slipped up high, an open hand, it barely brushed him and Cotchin played on fine.
“I think a fine at worst.”
The Swans can ill-afford to be without Franklin next weekend, with a blockbuster match-up with the undefeated reigning premiers Melbourne on the horizon.