Toby Nankervis was one of Richmond’s best on the ground on Thursday night, but Jake Lloyd couldn’t enjoy the same fate for Sydney.
In what eventuated as a 13-point win for the Tigers, Richmond co-captain Nankervis cleaned up Lloyd early in the second term to leave the Swans defender concussed and subbed out.
Nankervis is staring at being sent straight to the tribunal for the hit if graded careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.
When asked about the Tiger’s 19-disposal, 33-hit out game, John Longmire threw up Lloyd’s unfortunate situation.
“He had a big role and unfortunately Jakey Lloyd didn't have any role in the game, which was disappointing,” Longmire said post-game.
“But he got on top in the ruck and really gave them momentum out of there.”
Kane Cornes believes it swung the result of the game, calling for a send-off rule to be introduced in the circumstances where a team is heavily disadvantaged by a clearly suspendible action.
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“The perfect reason as to why a send-off rule should be introduced,” he told SEN Breakfast of Nankervis' bump.
“If that’s a Grand Final and you lose a really important player and the disruption that happens to your team and then the other guy goes on to be in the top three on the ground, how (is) that fair?
“He’s cleaned Lloyd up after he disposed of the ball in an era where we know you can’t go anywhere near the head.
“I thought it was pretty dirty from Toby Nankervis and clearly the coach from Sydney was not happy about it.
“I just think it’s worth exploring as to how Sydney can be so disadvantaged and essentially end their season off the back of that moment.”
Cornes also suggested Tom Stewart’s bump on Dion Prestia last year, as well as Jordan De Goey’s on Elijah Hewett in Round 12 would be worthy of a send off, among other actions.
Richmond jumped from 15th to 10th as a result of the come-from-behind win and are now just two points out of the top eight early in Round 17.
But it’s a different tale for the Swans, with Longmire’s side relegated to 14th and playing four top eight sides in their run home.
Listen to the full conversation with Cornes and David King below
