St Kilda forward Jack Higgins has been hit with a three-match suspension over the dangerous tackle that left Port Adelaide's Aliir Aliir concussed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Higgins slung Aliir to the turf during the second quarter of the Power's 10-point win over the Saints at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
The league's match review officer charged Higgins with rough conduct, grading the tackle as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.
Higgins pinned one of Aliir's arms as he tackled his opponent, whose feet left the ground in an attempt to kick the ball before his head hit the turf.
The Power defender was taken from the field soon after and failed a concussion test, playing no further part in the match.
Aliir will miss the Showdown against Adelaide in round eight under concussion protocols, with a return date unknown.
The contentious incident sparked debate around whether Aliir's kicking action put him in a more vulnerable position while being tackled.
St Kilda could challenge Higgins' ban at the AFL Tribunal, but are yet to declare their intentions.
The 25-year-old is the Saints' leading goalkicker this season with 13 majors in seven matches.
If the ban stands, Higgins will miss encounters with North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Fremantle as St Kilda attempt to turn their season around after a 2-5 start.
The Saints have already had several players suspended this season, with Jimmy Webster, Max King and Marcus Windhager all serving bans.
Webster copped a seven-match suspension over his brutal bump on North Melbourne's Jy Simpkin during a practice game and is available to play again next week.
Australian Associated Press
