K rock Football

Stars face bans

Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

Lance Franklin’s high bump on Gold Coast defender Sam Collins has earned the Sydney star a one-game AFL suspension.

The Swans veteran was charged with rough conduct for the last-quarter incident on Saturday night, which was classified as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact.

Collins had to leave the field after the hit, but was cleared of concussion.

It is a bitter aftertaste for the Swans after they easily beat the Suns away by 49 points.

Franklin was outstanding with two goals early, but unless they successfully take the case to the tribunal he will miss next Sunday’s home game against Hawthorn.

Also on Sunday, Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett was banned for two games for his high hit on Western Bulldogs opponent Bailey Smith.

Pickett was also charged with rough conduct and the incident was rated as high impact, hence the extra game’s penalty.

West Coast defender Tom Barrass (striking) and Port Adelaide’s Darcy Byrne-Jones (tripping) were also fined in the first match review penalties of the season.

(C) AAP 2023