Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews slapped with three-game ban for shot that concussed Arty Jones
Updated . First published
A loss to the Western Bulldogs in Opening Round is not the only issue Brisbane has had to accept this weekend, with Harris Andrews out for the next three games.
Andrews had a nervous wait overnight wondering whether he would be sidelined after his stray arm knocked out Bulldogs forward Arty Jones.
In the third quarter, the Bulldogs kicked out of defence with Jones flying high over Andrews and Dayne Zorko, but he couldn't land the mark.
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As Jones rose to his feet he chased the ball but found Andrews' forearm in the process and was knocked to the floor immediately.
Harris Andrews' stray arm whacks Arty Jones. Fox Footy
"An errant backhand. I don't think there was any intent there," Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy.
Jones was subbed out of the match due to concussion and looked dazed when he ran off the field.
Alastair Lynch believed there'd be a case to answer.
"He's in some trouble, I would of thought ... I think he's got a few worries there," he said.
"Maybe 10 years ago he's got no problems but in the modern day he's got some concern."
Jonathan Brown agreed: "You're responsible for your actions out there ... If you do decide to put your arm out and block, which you've got every right to do, if it does hit the wrong spot, you're liable."
The match review officers have since confirmed the Brisbane co-captain will be out for the next three weeks due to careless, high conduct with severe impact. He can chose to fight the ban if he wishes.
Buku Khamis and Rory Lobb celebrate victory. Getty
Andrews is not the only Lions star set for some time on the sidelines, Zac Bailey and Darcy Gardiner were also hit with one-game bans due to head high contact incidents.
At one stage the Bulldogs trailed by 26 points in the third quarter, but they came out in the final term and delivered a sensational comeback to win 16.15 (111) to 15.16 (106).
"That is extraordinary, that is an unbelievable game of footy ... They were gone for all money," Lyon said.
Perhaps a defining moment came in the final four minutes when the Lions were leading by six points.
Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton took a mark in the pocket before Gardiner, foolishly, bumped him. A 50m free was awarded. It was this contact that Gardiner has been banned for.
Naughton nailed the goal to make it even.
A behind to Charlie Cameron gave the Lions the lead before Tim English nailed a set shot in front to change it back in the Dogs' favour.
After English's goal, the Bulldogs players weren't afraid to let Gardiner know about it.
Bulldogs players get stuck into Darcy Gardiner. Fox Footy
A behind from Bailey Williams followed for the Bulldogs before Lions star Kai Lohmann missed another with 40 seconds left.
The Lions couldn't find a goal, delivering a major upset to the Bulldogs.
Cameron topped the goals for the Lions with four while Marcus Bontempelli had three.
Dogs star Ed Richards was no doubt the gamechanger with his 30 disposals, two goals, 723 metres gained and two goal assists.
