Western Bulldogs defender Liam Jones is at risk of missing a possible AFL finals match-up with a dangerous tackle just 18 seconds into Sunday’s clash with the GWS Giants.
Giants forward Aaron Cadman collected a bouncing ball inside 50 before his right arm was quickly wrapped up by Jones, who brought him to ground and gave away a free kick.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Liam Jones at risk of ban after dangerous tackle.
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“Slammed into the deck by Jones and that is a dangerous tackle that might have repercussions,” Dwayne Russell said in commentary.
Cadman appeared to hit his head on the ground but remained on the field to convert the set shot for the first goal of the game.
He did not leave the ground for a formal assessment, and a lack of concussion symptoms could prove the difference between Jones — should the Bulldogs qualify for finals — playing or sitting out.
“(Cadman) got to his feet, the case against (a ban) — that’s a massive tick,” dual premiership player David King said.
“It probably falls in the fine class pretty quickly if the player gets up.”
Jordan Lewis added: “Cadman getting up certainly helps Liam Jones in that instance.”
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A greater focus on dangerous tackles has defined the past two AFL seasons, with the situation coming to a head in July when two bans were overturned on appeal.
Charlie Cameron (Brisbane) and Toby Bedford (GWS) both escaped three-match suspensions that were originally backed by the tribunal.
Meanwhile, Bulldogs midfielder Adam Treloar was spotted in the rooms midway through the first quarter on Sunday.
He was pictured with his left boot off before grimacing as he walked off to be treated out of view of the changeroom cameras.
The 31-year-old returned to the field with a heavily strapped calf.
But just minutes later it was Laitham Vandermeer who was substituted out for the Dogs after reporting hamstring tightness.
Arthur Jones entered the game for his first appearance of the season.
Midway through the second quarter, Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli copped a head clash attempting to lay a tackle.
He spent some time on the bench but was cleared of concussion and soon returned to play.
Any players concussed on Sunday are unlikely to miss a final, with the competition-wide bye between the last round and opening week of September action still in place.
