Brownlow Medal hopes of Geelong Cats star Patrick Dangerfield under threat after 'sling tackle'

Patrick Dangerfield’s chances of winning a second straight Brownlow Medal face a major obstacle with the Geelong star to face further scrutiny over a ''sling tackle'' that left an opponent concussed on Saturday night.

Dangerfield, who headed into the match as joint favourite to win the 2017 edition of the AFL’s most prestigious individual honour, will be sweating on word from the match review panel.

Dangerfield appeared to pin the arms of Carlton player Matthew Kreuzer to his body and throw him to the ground. Kreuzer’s head slammed into the turf and was quickly taken from the field. He didn’t return to the match.

Geelong coach Chris Scott defended his star over the incident.

"He was unaware whether the ball had spilled out so he tried to take the player to ground and roll him in the tackle to avoid an in-the-back free kick which is exactly the way we coach it," he said.

"It wasn't a sling (tackle) that's for sure. I don't think he deliberately drove him into the ground.

"I would expect that would be fine ... but I've got my Geelong scarf on don't I?"

If Dangerfield is able to avoid suspension and claim a second-straight Brownlow, he would be the first player to achieve such a feat since St Kilda great Robert Harvey did so in 1997-98.