Essendon midfielder Sam Durham slapped with multi-week ban for high bump
Updated . First published
Essendon midfielder Sam Durham is set for a stint on the sidelines through suspension for his high bump on Carlton star Adam Cerra.
The HIA system came under fire after Cerra took 10 minutes to leave the field following a high bump from Durham during Carlton's win at the MCG.
The 23-year-old has since been offered a two-game ban by the MRO.
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Early in the second quarter between the Blues and Essendon, Cerra picked the ball up and was collected by Durham.
Sam Durham's hit on Adam Cerra. Fox Footy
He looked dazed, which was likely due to contact with his eye that left a growing bruise, but returned to his feet and continued to play as both sides came together in a melee.
"He's made a decision to bump there, Sam Durham. When you make that decision you are vulnerable ... If he's hit him in the head, I'm not sure you can defend that," Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy.
Jonathan Brown added: "He made the wrong decision there."
Broadcast cameras continued to watch Carlton's doctors talk on the boundary as Cerra stayed on the field.
"If they want him off and he hasn't come off then that's a failure in the system ... Just yank him off if they want to have a look at him," Lyon said.
The wait and watch on Cerra went on for another 10 minutes, before he was taken from the field.
Essendon and Carlton players clash after the hit on Adam Cerra. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Lyon continued in his criticism.
"The Cerra thing is ridiculous if in fact he is having a test right now. That is a failure of the system. Get that kid off straight away and test him ... Take it out of his hands," he said.
Footage later showed Cerra on the bench with the growing bruising around his right eye.
Adam Cerra on the bench. Fox Footy
Carlton were out to an electric start in the first quarter leading 6.4 (40) to 1.1 (7) at the first break.
By the main break, Essendon had clawed back some momentum. Carlton led 8.6 (54) to 4.2 (26).
At half-time it was revealed the club had conducted Cerra's HIA as a precaution.
Brown continued his criticism of the bump, describing it as a "dangerous action".
After the break, the Bombers continued to come back hard. By three-quarter time, the Blues' lead was 11 points.
In the final quarter, a goal to Xavier Duursma with four minutes left put Essendon six points behind the Blues.
However, Carlton held on for a 11.12 (78) to 11.4 (70) win.
