Dan Houston sent directly to tribunal for high bump that left Izak Rankine concussed
Updated . First published
Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston has been sent directly to the tribunal for his high bump on Adelaide's Izak Rankine during the Power's 22-point victory in the Showdown on Saturday night.
On Sunday night, Houston was charged with rough conduct by match review officer Michael Christian.
The incident was deemed careless conduct, severe impact and high contact — not a good combination if Houston, who is out of contract at the season's end, wishes to play another game in Power colours.
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With the AFL cracking down on dangerous bumps and tackles, the offence is likely to attract a multi-week suspension.
With less than a goal separating the two teams in the third quarter, Houston laid a big bump on Rankine as he moved back with the flight to catch a deflection from a teammate.
"Look out! Bang! Houston with a big bump on Rankine. They are about to throw down in the Showdown," Fox Footy caller Adam Papalia said.
Medal staff assist Izak Rankine of the Crows following an incident with Dan Houston of the Power. Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images
The incident triggered a melee with players from both sides running in as the impact of the hit saw Rankine knocked out for several minutes.
Rankine was immediately attended to by medical staff before being helped to his feet and carted off the ground on a medicab.
In promising signs, the 24-year-old gave viewers a thumbs up while being stretchered off.
With two weeks until finals and Port Adelaide holding second spot on the ladder, Houston could argue shoulder-to-shoulder contact at the tribunal in an attempt to have his punishment downgraded.
"He elected to bump and has KO'd him. I'm not sure there's direct contact with the head. Ultimately he's KO'd him," Swans legend Gerard Healy said.
Izak Rankine is knocked down after being bumped by Dan Houston. Mark Brake via Getty Images
Crows legend Mark Ricciuto agreed that the act could see Houston's season come to an abrupt end.
"This is a gigantic story. If that goes the wrong way for Houston, he might not be playing again this season," he said.
Former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon added: "That's a big number, he's expected to get a big number off that."
Earlier, Rankine kicked the opening goal of the match despite receiving a lot of attention early.
"They are targeting Izak Rankine ... it is a Showdown," Ricciuto told Fox Footy.
"They are into Izak Rankine and so they should be. Going to try and put him off his game."
