Swan Knocks Giants Back as Umpire Cautions Isaac Heeney Over Disputed Holding-the-Ball Decision

Swans defender Lewis Melican might find himself under the microscope from the AFL’s match review officer following an incident where a swinging arm struck Toby Bedford high, leaving the Giants midfielder to exit the field with a bloodied face.

MRO Michael Christian is also expected to assess the actions of Hayden McLean after the Sydney forward delivered a high tackle on GWS defender Conor Idun, despite the latter incident appearing less severe.

Just before half-time, tempers flared when Isaac Heeney was penalised for holding the ball, leading the Sydney star to vent his frustration at the umpire who adjudicated the decision.

This outburst earned Heeney a 50-metre penalty, which allowed former GWS captain Callan Ward to convert a straightforward goal.

“Don’t ever speak to me like that again,” the umpire retorted.

As the Sydney derby at the SCG concluded amidst unsavoury actions and skirmishes, the Swans emerged victorious by 14 points.

Dean Cox’s team triumphed over their city rivals with a score of 12.15 (87) to 10.13 (73).

Bedford departed the field under the blood rule after Melican’s high hit during a contest in the second quarter.

During the second quarter, both players launched at the ball from opposite sides inside the Swans’ defensive 50, and Melican, seemingly trying to punch the ball away, collided with Bedford as the Giants midfielder tapped the ball forward.

At the moment of contact, both players were airborne.

The McLean incident occurred in the opening quarter when the towering Swans player executed a high tackle on Idun in the forward 50.

Idun managed to gain possession of the ball, but McLean caught him high just after.

Within moments of the first incident, the match erupted into a brawl.

In another incident, Sydney forward Aaron Francis clashed with high-profile GWS defender Sam Taylor after a marking contest, which provoked players from both sides to intervene.

Later in the first quarter, McLean scored a goal and found himself in a tussle on the ground with Giants defender Jack Buckley.

“I guess after every goal we’re going to witness a bit of biffo,” chuckled Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson, the renowned former Western Bulldogs forward.

The Swans now sit at 3-5 for the season, while the Giants are at 4-4, desperately holding onto eighth place on the ladder.