Brayden Fiorini escapes sanction as AFL greats call out 'poor technique' that caused ugly concussion incident
Updated . First published at
The match review committee has confirmed no sanction will be imposed on Gold Coast's Brayden Fiorini for a bump that left Harrison Petty concussed.
Fiorini's time on the field next round was placed under a cloud as he awaited confirmation if he was to be suspended for his act on Petty on Saturday.
He was cleared of any wrongdoing by the MRO on Sunday evening.
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"It was the view of the MRO that Fiorini genuinely contests the ball and it was reasonable for him to contest in that way. No further action was taken," a statement released by the AFL said.
The bump knocked out the Melbourne swingman, who took no further part in his side's loss in Queensland.
In the moment, Brisbane champion Alistair Lynch described the contact as "dangerous".
Harrison Petty on the ground concussed. Fox Footy
However, Adelaide great Rory Sloane feels the onus is on Petty to not attack the contest with his head, calling it "poor technique".
"I don't think anything should happen to Fiorini, I think this is Harrison Petty who is unfortunately going to suffer the consequences of really poor technique," Sloane told Nine's Sunday AFL Footy Show.
"This is something I'm so big on, especially at a junior level, teaching the right fundamental technique of a ground ball, step over the ball, get your butt in front and protect yourself.
"We don't want to see concussions in the game, but in that instance I think it relies on the player protecting themself."
Harrison Petty of the Demons is helped from the field. AFL Photos via Getty Images
A similar incident occurred earlier in the month with Carlton's Adam Cerra copping a bump from Essendon's Sam Durham. Durham received a suspension for the head-high contact.
Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith however believes they were very different incidents, given Durham elected to bump Cerra, while Fiorini was picking up a loose ball.
"Durham tucked his arm (and bumped). I think the one on the Gold Coast was just poor technique on Petty's behalf," the Hawthorn and Geelong champion said.
"I think as a player you have every right to put your foot over the ball, stick your bum out, and make contact with the opposition player."
