Wright learns fate as massive hit on Swan sent directly to Tribunal

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Essendon forward Peter Wright has been sent directly to the Tribunal for the bump that concussed Sydney’s Harry Cunningham.

Wright left the ground in a marking contest but braced for contact at the last moment, catching the Swan high with his shoulder.

The incident has been graded as careless contact with severe impact by Match Review Officer Michael Christian, a sufficient enough ruling to mandate a Tribunal hearing.

Peter Wright has been referred directly to the tribunal for this incident with Harry Cunningham.

Full Saturday MRO findings: https://t.co/s0rhNrOz8z pic.twitter.com/cB44mxsnJp

— AFL (@AFL) March 24, 2024

Cunningham left the field on a stretcher and is reported to have suffered memory loss in the aftermath. He will miss at least the Swans’ clash with Richmond next week under the AFL’s concussion protocols.

Wright is the only player facing suspension after Saturday night’s fiery clash at the SCG.

Swans coach John Longmire held his tongue post-match, saying he was “disappointed” that they would lose Cunningham to concussion.

But Sydney veteran Tom Papley did not hold back in half-time and post-match interviews, saying the Bombers were hitting them behind the play.

He added Wright would have a “nice holiday” for the Cunningham bump.

Wright faces a rough conduct charge, with the bump graded as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.

Bombers coach Brad Scott had spoken earlier in the week about the “Essendon edge” they wanted, but Sydney held them off for a 30-point win.

Essendon ruckman Sam Draper also collected Jake Lloyd late, but he escaped with a rough conduct fine.

Wright is the only player facing suspension from the fiery SCG clash, with four others to be fined for a first-quarter melee.

St Kilda key forward Max King has been offered a one-game suspension for his high contact on Collingwood’s Finn Macrae during Thursday night’s big win.

(with AAP)

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