Melbourne younger gun Kysaiah Pickett faces a nervous wait after a reckless excessive bump on Bulldogs star Bailey Smith within the Demons’ thumping win.
Pickett’s title was taken within the second quarter of Melbourne’s 17. 13. (115) to 9. 11. (65) win on the MCG after flooring Smith behind the play.
The 21-year-old ahead was the most effective gamers on the bottom, kicking an equal-game excessive 4 objectives, however sparked a brawl with a late, head-high bump on Smith.
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Geelong premiership star Cameron Mooney was crucial of the bump, saying Pickett was fortunate Smith was in a position to play out the rest of the competition.
”Are we going to go on ‘what would’ve been?’ I do not assume we will play the sport on ‘what might’ve been’. We have to play the sport out,” Mooney informed Fox Footy.
“He was fortunate Kozzy (Pickett) as a result of, in my view, it seemed like shoulder on shoulder. It was when he rolled it was the again that hit Bailey within the chin. That is why it was in all probability low affect and Bailey obtained straight again up.
“If it was shoulder onto the chin, he is knocked out.”
In a conflict of the 2021 grand finalists, Melbourne ran riot within the second half, kicking eight objectives to 4 in a rampant show.
Ben Brown additionally booted 4 objectives for Melbourne, whereas skipper Max Gawn and Charlie Spargo kicked two every.
It was a profitable debut for Melbourne’s famed new ruck tandem of Gawn and low season recruit Brodie Grundy, who completed with 17 disposals, 12 hitouts and a aim, whereas Gawn added 21 disposals and 21 hitouts.
The Bulldogs’ efforts have been led by the tireless Jack Macrae, who completed with an equal-game excessive 33 disposals alongside Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver.
Melbourne will journey to Brisbane in spherical two to tackle the Lions, whereas the Bulldogs will host St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
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