Collingwood’s Dan Houston Facing Controversy After Controversial Bump

Collingwood’s new recruit, Dan Houston, may be facing another spell on the sidelines following a high bump on Carlton’s Lachie Fogarty during Thursday night’s match.

Houston missed the Magpies’ opening game this season due to a five-match suspension stemming from a bump on Izak Rankine in what was his last appearance in Port Adelaide colours last year.

In the second term of Collingwood’s 63-46 victory at the MCG, Houston jumped and made contact with Fogarty’s head using his elbow.

Houston swiftly raised his hands in a gesture of apology as Fogarty left the field for a concussion assessment, though he did return shortly after.

This incident drew parallels to Kysaiah Pickett’s hit on Bailey Smith earlier in 2023, for which Pickett received a two-game ban.

During Fox Footy’s coverage, two-time All-Australian Leigh Montagna predicted Houston would face “at least” a two-week suspension.

High elbows and forearms to the head are typically deemed intentional, which heightens the severity of the charge and the potential suspension length.

Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall indicated that Collingwood is likely to argue it wasn’t intentional. The fact that Fogarty was able to return to play might bolster their case.

Nevertheless, he asserted that the AFL should not focus solely on the outcome and must take a stance against similar incidents to prevent such plays.

“If Fogarty had suffered a serious injury, it would have been a significant issue. They will try to push for a lighter penalty,” he remarked.

“To effectively eradicate this type of action, a suspension is necessary.”

Crows icon Eddie Betts expressed his main concern about the jumping action involved. “It was the manner in which he approached with his shoulder and connected … that’s the exact kind of incident we’re aiming to eliminate from the game,” he stated.

“Honestly, Dan Houston is fortunate that Lachie Fogarty was not diagnosed with a concussion.”

Dunstall expressed surprise that Houston found himself in the sights of the MRC so soon after the incident with Rankine.

“It’s quite peculiar because he doesn’t come across as a player who actively seeks to harm opposing players,” Dunstall pointed out.

“Yet, here he is again, finding himself in trouble. He needs to dial it back.”

This incident has overshadowed an otherwise impressive night for the Magpies, who secured their third consecutive win.

Meanwhile, Carlton is in dire straits at 0-4 and could find themselves at the very bottom of the ladder by the weekend’s conclusion.