North Melbourne legend David King has called on the AFL to increase the punishment for high contact as Sydney Swans forward Will Hayward was cited after a high bump on North Melbourne forward Curtis Taylor.
The incident happened in the first quarter of the Marsh Community Series clash between the two sides when Taylor was reaching for a loose ball in the forward 50.
As he reached down, Hayward would collect him, making contact with the top of his head.
Will Hayward has collided heavily with Curtis Taylor.
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) March 9, 2020
Does he have anything to worry about? #MarshSeries pic.twitter.com/DZolqLDpn0
Hayward was penalised and cited for his actions, whilst Taylor would eventually get back up and slot the proceeding free kick.
King suggested that whilst Hayward will likely escape with a fine, he believes that the AFL needs to start cracking down on this type of behaviour.
“We’ve got to stamp this out of the game and we’ve got to change behaviour,” King said during the first quarter break.
“This will be a $2,000 fine because Taylor continued on with the game and he hasn't gone off with concussion.
“I don't know if a $2,000 fine changes behaviour,
“At some point, the AFL needs to get serious with this and that sort of contact be 3, 4, 5 weeks.”
This was shared by social media, who were in agreement that the 21-year-old should spend some time on the sideline for the tackle.
Clumsy. And lazy. But didn’t deliberately hit him and did all he could to limit impact. Don’t think Will is getting picked rd1 with that sort of effort anyway
— Craig D (@swansational) March 9, 2020
Chose to bump with head over the ball. He's in trouble.
— Peter Andrews (@petera112001) March 9, 2020
Won’t be playing Round 1.
— 🔴 ⚫Andy Bombers 🔴⚫ (@andy_bombers) March 9, 2020
Taylor's two goals proves to be the difference so far in the contest, with North Melbourne running away with the contest by 11 points.
More to come