Sam Darcy has received a two-match suspension from Match Review Officer Michael Christian for his brutal hit on Brayden Maynard in the Western Bulldogs’ Friday night win over Collingwood.

Darcy arrived late and clattered into Maynard after the Magpies defender took a mark in the opening quarter at Marvel Stadium, making contact with the back of his head.

Maynard left the field to undergo a SCAT5 concussion test, which he passed and was able to play out the game.

However, the incident was classified as ‘high’ impact due to its potential to cause serious injury, with Darcy’s hit also deemed as careless conduct and high contact, to trigger the two-match ban.

With fellow key forward Aaron Naughton sidelined with a knee injury, Darcy’s absence is a major blow for the Dogs ahead of a tough fortnight against Brisbane and Fremantle, with the young tall kicking 22 goals in his 11 games in a breakout 2024 season, including three against the Magpies.

The suspension also rules him ineligible for the Rising Star Award, where he was among the top favourites.

Darcy could be joined on the sidelines by small forward Rhylee West, who received a one-match suspension for a glancing high bump on Jeremy Howe.

The innocuous incident was graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, with the impact grading again increased due to the potential to cause injury despite Howe playing out the match and not even undergoing a concussion test.

Defender Taylor Duryea escaped with a fine after being reported for striking star Magpie Nick Daicos.