'Out cold': 'Reckless' act from North Melbourne star Tristan Xerri knocks out Demons midfielder Tom Sparrow
North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri is likely to face MRO scrutiny after a swinging arm that knocked out Melbourne midfielder Tom Sparrow.
The incident occurred late in the game with the Demons winning 18.11 (119) to 12.11 (83).
The ball spilled into Sparrow's arms at a stoppage, with Xerri instinctively reaching out to grab it, but completely missed and his arm flushed the 25-year-old in the face, knocking him out before he hit the ground.
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Sparrow was also clearly bleeding from either the lip or mouth following the hit.
Gawn flew at Xerri to defend his injured teammate. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"He is out cold, and that is not good news," Fox Footy commentator Corbin Middlemas immediately noted during the incident.
As Sparrow hit the ground, Melbourne captain Max Gawn flew at Xerri and a brawl ensued, with players from both teams piling in.
While it looked ugly, and Xerri may still miss weeks for the careless action, Geelong champion Cameron Mooney believes the contact was accidental.
"It was just a reaction to try and hit the ball (from Xerri) and he's completely missed it," Mooney said on the broadcast.
"That's reckless, he'll see some time for that, but I don't think there was anything untoward in it, but he's got it wrong.
"When the ball is there your natural reaction is to flick an arm at it and I think that's what he's tried to do and he's just missed it and got him high. And he's got to wear the consequences for it.
Tom Sparrow on the stretcher. Getty
Melbourne champion David Schwarz agrees with Mooney's assessment.
"Xerri hasn't lined him up, it was just clumsy. It's a reflex, it's reckless but not intentional," Schwarz told SEN.
The game was stopped for several minutes while the Melbourne medical staff took their time placing Sparrow on the stretcher and carting him from the MCG.
Xerri went over to check on him before the cart drove off.
Considered a strong chance to make this year's All-Australian team, Xerri has had a fantastic season for the Kangaroos.
