‘Hailing from the Ruck School of Blunders: Big Hawk Escapes Sanction Following Heavy Clash with Pie’

In a significant decision from the AFL, Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek has dodged punishment following his clash with Collingwood midfielder Patrick Lipinski during the Hawks’ 51-point defeat on Friday night.

The incident occurred in the third quarter after Meek collided with Lipinski, who was later substituted out of the game with concussion symptoms.

Although Meek arrived late to the contest, he made a genuine effort to contest the ball, using his right arm in a fist to attempt a spoil.

On Saturday night, the AFL announced that Meek would be available for selection next week, with no further disciplinary steps to be taken.

The league determined that the incident did not warrant a penalty, noting that Meek had made a genuine attempt to spoil the ball while mainly making contact with Lipinski’s body.

“Lipinski was targeted with a kick inside the forward 50, and Meek, coming from behind, looked to contest the mark. With his eyes focused on the ball, Meek used a straight arm for the spoil, making primarily body contact with Lipinski during the marking contest,” the AFL stated in their announcement.

“The MRO concluded that Meek’s attempt to spoil the ball was sincere, his actions were not unreasonable given the context, and he took appropriate care to avoid excessive high contact with Lipinski during the contest.

“Additionally, it could not have been anticipated that Lipinski’s head would collide forcefully with the ground as a result of Meek’s actions.”

This season, the AFL has been clear that choosing to bump and delivering high contact that leads to a concussion will likely result in a suspension, typically beginning at three weeks.

During the coverage, Fox Footy analyst Jack Riewoldt believed that Meek would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

“The fact that he makes body contact as well suggests he will be fine; this wasn’t just a flailing arm, so his eyes were on the ball,” he stated.

Another commentator, David King, concurred with Riewoldt.

“He was just a bit clumsy, which is quite typical of ruckmen,” he commented.

“It’s exactly what you want from your big guy; just enough contact to warrant a free kick but not enough to merit a 50-metre penalty.”

Meek’s former teammate at Fremantle, Lachie Schultz, expressed his displeasure over the hit, pulling Meek away from Lipinski amid a small scuffle that ensued.

It was a tough night for the Hawks in front of 83,000 spectators who witnessed them struggle against the top-of-the-ladder Magpies at the MCG.

The Magpies dominated the second and third quarters, scoring 12 goals compared to Hawthorn’s five during that period.

The contest lost most of its intensity in the final quarter, with Collingwood comfortably securing a 16.11 (107) to 8.8 (56) victory.

Jamie Elliott shone for the Magpies, nailing five goals, while Jack Ginnivan made an impression against his former team, contributing three goals and finishing as Hawthorn’s leading possession-getter. Nick Daicos was the game’s standout with 32 disposals.

Garry Lyon praised Collingwood’s prowess against a fellow premiership rival.

“That was a classic thumping,” Lyon remarked during Fox Footy’s broadcast.

“This Collingwood side is highly impressive. They can beat you in many ways.”

“They are sharp. Their ball movement is first-rate.”

The challenges won’t ease for the Hawks as they prepare to face the Western Bulldogs next Thursday night.

On the other hand, Collingwood will take on Melbourne on the King’s Birthday Monday.

However, the Pies will miss Lipinski due to concussion protocols, along with small forward Schultz, who finished the match with ice applied to his hamstring.